Pair arrested for stealing copper wire from IRG Batavia LLC - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Uncle, nephew arrested for stealing copper wire

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Anthony Shaffer (Source: Clermont County Jail) Anthony Shaffer (Source: Clermont County Jail)
Michael Freeman (Source: Clermont County Jail) Michael Freeman (Source: Clermont County Jail)
BATAVIA TOWNSHIP, OH (FOX19) -

Two Batavia Township men have been arrested by Clermont County Sheriff's Deputies for several copper thefts and breaking and enterings.

Throughout September into the first two weeks of October, the IRG Batavia LLC. power plant experienced a significant increase of copper wire thefts from inside of the building.

Michael W. Freeman, 40, and his nephew, Anthony Shaffer, 24, were arrested early Tuesday morning during a covert operation conducted by Clermont County Sheriff's Deputies on the property of IRG Batavia LLC.  

Both Freeman and Shaffer were charged with Breaking and entering, felonies of the fifth degree.  In addition, Freeman was charged with possession of criminal tools, a felony of the fifth degree.  

Reports of property loss resulting from the thefts at IRG Batavia LLC have exceeded $100,000.

The pair is being held at the Clermont County Jail.

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