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Delaware State Police
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Uncle and Nephew Copper Bandits Nabbed by Troopers Released-Friday, April 11, 2008 Magnolia-On morning of Wednesday, April 9, 2008 state troopers from Troop 3 and a representative from DNREC responded to a residence located along the 100 block of Gelden Rd, Felton, after and anonymous phone call was made in reference to illegal burning occurring in the backyard of the home. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Michael A. Cole, Jr., and his uncle, Robert L. Cole, in the back yard. Officers discovered copper wire being burned in a burn pit area. The two suspects were observed burning the protective rubber casing around the wire in order to gain access to the pure copper wire. There were also quantities of copper wire piled behind a shed near the fire. This copper wire had yet to be burned. One of the troopers at the scene noticed the wire matched the description of wire that was reported stolen from a Verizon facility located at 1110 S. Governors Ave, Dover. That theft was reported by Verizon officials earlier in the day. During that incident, the suspects allegedly cut a chain link fence and gained entry into the fenced yard and stole approximately $12,000.00 worth of copper wire. During the investigation a district manager from Verizon positively identified the wire as being stolen on Wednesday, April 9th and wire from a second theft that occurred at the Verizon location on Thursday, April 3, 2008 was also identified at the scene. During that incident, it’s alleged the suspects cut a lock on the gate and entered a fenced yard. The suspects entered an unlocked outbuilding and stole numerous spools of copper wire and tubing valued at $2,000.00 During their investigation detectives linked the suspects to several other copper theft incidents that took place over past four months. These reported thefts totaled approximately $2,900.00 in stolen copper. As a result of the investigation both suspects were formally charged yesterday. Robert L. Cole, 43, of the 100 block of Gelden Road, Felton was charged with the following criminal offenses: three counts of Burglary 3rd Degree (F), five counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree (F), two counts of Theft (M), three counts of Theft (F), five counts of Criminal Trespass (M) and three counts of Criminal Mischief (M). Robert L. Cole was arraigned and committed to the Delaware Correctional Center in lieu of $17,100.00 secured bond. Michael A. Cole, Jr., 26, of the 300 block of John Hurd Road, Felton was charged with the following criminal offenses: three counts of Burglary 3rd Degree (F), five counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree (F), two counts of Theft (M), three counts of Theft (F), five counts of Criminal Trespass (M) and three counts of Criminal Mischief (M). Michael A. Cole, Jr. was arraigned and committed to the Delaware Correctional Center in lieu of $17,100.00 cash bail. |
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