Published: August 15, 2008 02:22 pm      

Massive metal thefts lead to two arrests in Floyd County

Two men, who allegedly stole more than $300,000 worth of metals, were arrested in New Albany Monday.

Their arrests have led to five cases being solved, including the theft of $50,000 worth of copper from a construction site at Floyd Central High School less than two weeks ago, said Detective Capt. Jeff Topping of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department.

Eric R. Nance, 23, of Borden and Matthew J. Howerton, 22, of New Albany, were arrested after a passing driver reported a possible fire at a residence along the 5200 block of Grant Line Road. The two were allegedly behind the vacant house, owned by one of the suspects, burning copper wires which created large amounts of smoke.

Nance has been charged with one count of burglary, a class B felony, and two counts of theft, a class C felony. Howerton was charged with two counts of burglary and four counts of theft.

Two more suspects could be charged early next week.

Police say they have solved five cases — Harpring Steel Fabricators in Charlestown, Striegel Asphalt Company and Floyd Central High School in Floyds Knobs and W.M. Kelley Steel Fabricators and the new Purdue University Center in New Albany — with these arrests. Police believe the thefts began in March.

Topping said thieves make about 10 percent of the value of the metal when they sell it to recycling companies. If they sold metals valued at $300,000, they would have made about $30,000.

Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson said companies that recycle metal are required to keep records of all transactions and share them with police when requested. Henderson is asking companies to be diligent in checking out people who come in frequently with large amounts of metal.

“Legally, that’s all they’re required to do. I’m asking them to go a step further,” Henderson said. “I think together with law enforcement, we can stop this runaway train of thefts of metals.”

Henderson said Nance has bonded out, while Howerton is being held in the Floyd County Jail for 15 days without bail because he is on probation.

“This is a problem that has been plaguing not just our community but the entire area,” Henderson said. “We have thieves that would rather steal than work.”



SO YOU KNOW

With the arrests of two suspects earlier this week, Floyd County police say they have solved five cases — dating back to March — of copper thefts in the area. Those thefts occurred at:

• Harpring Steel Fabricators in Charlestown

• Striegel Asphalt Company in Floyds Knobs

• Floyd Central High School

• W.M. Kelley Steel Fabricators in New Albany

• Purdue University Center in New Albany