Man charged with copper theft

BENTON, Mo. -- A 21-year-old man has been charged in connection with the theft of copper from a Sikeston, Mo., resident. James D. Barnes was charged with second-degree burglary, stealing and first-degree property damage. Bond was set at $10,000.

Two juveniles were also taken into custody.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, a deputy handling an eviction noticed a back door open at the residence. Upon entering to investigate, he found two juveniles hiding inside. They admitted to breaking into the residence to steal copper.

Damage to the residence included holes made in the walls where wire was pulled through. Part of the ceiling had also been pulled down.

The juveniles were transported to the sheriff's office in Benton, where they were questioned by deputies and juvenile authorities. During the investigation they implicated Barnes, according to the news release issued by Walter.