Franklin County investigators say they caught two men inside the former Cooper Wood facility, a Rocky Mount area business that’s been a frequent victim of copper and scrap metal thefts. Officials say the two were captured late Monday night in possession of cutting tools and scrap copper wiring, and investigators seized more evidence in a resulting home search. 31-year-old Joshua Hayes and 27-year-old Brandon Dillon, both of Rocky Mount, face multiple charges.
(Continue reading for the full Franklin County Sheriff’s office news release.)
Two Arrested for Copper Wire Theft
The Office of the Sheriff has been conducting an ongoing investigation into a rash of copper and scrap related thefts from the former Cooper Wood facility on Grassy Hill Road in Franklin County since May 2013. On Monday July 1, 2013, around 10:30pm, Investigator E. Ingram and Deputy J. Watkins detected persons inside the facility while continuing the investigation. Additional patrol officers and K-9 units were called to contain the suspects inside the building. As a result, two individuals who were arrested without incident in possession of cutting tools and scrap copper wiring inside the facility.
The subsequent investigation lead to the search of a residence on Diamond Avenue Extension in Franklin County where evidence was seized related to this case and possible other crimes. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. If anyone has any information related to this or other crimes, please contact the office of the Sheriff at (540) 483-3000.
The following individuals were charged.
Hayes, Joshua Gray, 31, of Rocky Mount, Va.
(3 counts) Break and Enter with intent to commit larceny
(3 counts) Grand Larceny
Dillon, Brandon Ralph Forrest, 27, of Rocky Mount, Va.
(3 counts) Break and Enter with intent to commit larceny
(3 counts) Grand Larceny
