By Associated Press
Selma AL – Three people are headed to prison after they pleaded guilty to participating in a cooper theft ring.
At a hearing Monday, a Dallas County judge sentenced 30-year-old Earnest James Cherry to 20 years in prison. Two others Lee Edward Walker and Janice Lee, both 48, were sentenced to 15 and 10 years, respectively.
The three were also ordered to pay almost $186,000 in restitution.
Selma Police Chief Jimmy Martin said the trio was responsible for burglarizing dozens of buildings where cooper was stripped, causing thousands of dollars in damages.
Police said the three stole cooper to support a drug habit.
Law enforcement agencies statewide report a rash of thefts from cemeteries, churches, even schools as culprits scheme to steal anything containing cooper.
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Information from: Times Journal, http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/