37 Suspects Identified in Alabama Copper Theft Ring

Sheriff’s officials in Escambia County, Ala., say they’ve identified 37 suspects in what they call a copper theft ring.

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan tells WALA-TV some suspects were stealing the copper. He says others were scrap yard employees they believe were putting weights on the scale and keeping the extra money.

Investigators say the suspects were identified after a month-long investigation.

Authorities say 20 suspects are in custody on charges of burglary, theft of metal and fraud, and deputies are still searching for others.

Morgan says that many businesses and residents in the area have been victims of copper theft over the past several months.