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Tuesday, 28 June 2011 20:28

Three face metal theft charges


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A call earlier this month has led to an investigation in which three Roanoke Rapids residents face numerous charges from allegedly stealing copper pipe from Dominion Power.

62811Joseph_Smith62811Richard_Willis62811Wendy_Rose

From left, Smith, Willis and Rose.

Investigation began on June 14 shortly before midnight when Officer Mark Peck stopped a car at the lake park on Oakwood Avenue after responding to a larceny call at the dam.

Peck discovered Wendy Pegram Rose, 19, was driving the car and Richard Ashburn Willis, also 19, was the passenger. Peck located pipe in the car.

The police department continued investigation after Dominion reported 16 copper disconnect pipes were missing in an inventory.

Using salvage yard receipts from companies in Halifax and Warren counties, along with video surveillance from the dam, Detective Jeff Baggett was able to lodge more charges against Rose, of Williams Street, and Willis, of Morgan Drive.

A third person, Joseph Wayne Smith, 23, of Morgan Drive, and Willis were seen on Dominion surveillance footage twice, on June 4 and June 8.

Captain Andy Jackson said the three got a third party who didn't know the pipe was stolen to sell it. They made approximately $1,096 off the metal.

Willis faces the following charges: Two counts first degree trespassing, one count felony larceny, one count misdemeanor larceny, two counts obtaining property by false pretense, three counts felony conspiracy, one count misdemeanor conspiracy, one count possession of stolen goods and one count felony possession of stolen goods. He was jailed on $10,000 bond.

Rose faces the following charges: Two counts felony conspiracy and a count of felony and abet. She was given a $2,000 bond on top of her $10,000 bond.

Smith faces the following charges: One count obtaining property by false pretense, two counts felony conspiracy, one county misdemeanor conspiracy, one count felony aid and abet larceny, one count misdemeanor aid and abet. He was jailed on $5,000 bond.

 

Lance Martin

Lance Martin

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