DSP News Release: Two Charged for Stealing Metal Materials  

Location:

• 8200 block Hogtown Road Harrington, De

DATE and TIME:  

• Monday April 25, 2011 9:53 a.m.

Victim(s):

• Country Life Homes
• Hearthstone Manor

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:

·         Michael A. Zimmer II-25 Harrington, De

·         Brandon M. Beene-30 Harrington, De

·         Each are charged with the following:

·         Theft $1,500 or Greater

·         Conspiracy Second Degree

·         Theft Under $1,500

·         2 counts Theft by False Pretense

·         2 counts Criminal Trespass Second Degree

·         Each released on $4,500 unsecured bond

Resume:

Milford-Michael A. Zimmer II and Brandon M. Beene both of Harrington Delaware have been charged with the theft of steel materials and also selling these materials; which belonged to Country Life Homes and Hearthstone Manor developments. 

Zimmer and Beene are accused of taking a 12 foot steel light post, twenty-eight 4 foot metal pipes and seven 10 foot steel beams.  Zimmer and Beene after acquiring the steel beams took them to Fitzgerald’s Auto Salvage and sold them for cash. 

State Police during the course of their investigation learned that the victim observed the suspects backed into his side property in their red Ford Escape.  When the victim went to investigate Zimmer and Beene’s reason for being on his property, one of the suspects approached him in a threatening manner.  The victim retreated and called 911 providing investigators with vehicle and suspect descriptions. 

State Troopers later responded to Fitzgerald’s Auto Salvage and discovered Zimmer and Beene had already sold a quantity of metal and had left the salvage yard prior to their arrival.  State Police around 11:35 a.m. received information that Zimmer and Beene were again at Fitzgerald’s attempting to sell another load of metal.  Troopers responded to Fitzgerald’s and took Zimmer and Beene into custody. 

Zimmer and Beene were both charged with Theft, Conspiracy, Theft by False Pretence and Criminal Trespass.  After being arraigned Zimmer and Beene each were released on $4,500 unsecured bond. 

    Michael A. Zimmer, II              Brandon M. Beene