Couple's copper theft for wedding money nets only $18

ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. -- Police say a Pennsylvania couple desperate for money to pay for their wedding netted just $18 for the stolen copper wire they cut from more than a dozen utility poles.

North Sewickley police said 23-year-old Joseph Russell and 24-year-old April Cater cut down the wires Aug. 9, four days before their wedding.

Russell said he was desperate for money because he'd just lost his job and lost a $1,000 deposit after his reception hall closed down.

Sgt. Jeff Bezce said the couple clearly expected to get more money than they got from the scrap where they sold the copper.

Russell told WPXI-TV he will pay for the damages. Utility officials said it will cost about $400 to repair the 18 poles that were damaged.