VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two men have been arrested following an investigation into suspicious transactions at a DeLand recycling center.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Department, Brian Weydert, 54, and Robert Harrell, 58, were arrested on charges related to the theft and sales of copper from Orange County school job sites.
Deputies said the manager of the recycling center reported a suspicious customer to the Sheriff's Department.
According to investigators, Harrell, from Orange City, had scrapped nearly 2,000 pounds of copper wire over the course of a month.
Investigators said the amount of copper sold and the fact that it was commercial grade caused the manager of the center to report the activity.
According to investigators, Harrell admitted to getting the copper from another Orange City resident and selling it. Investigators said they learned that resident was Weydert.
Harrell said after selling the copper, he would take the money to Weydert, who would give Harrell 10 percent of the profits, investigators said.
According to investigators, Weydert, an employee of the Orange County School District, admitted to stealing copper from school job sites. He said he took the copper because of concerns about finances and a fear of losing his job, house and family.
The two men were arrested Thursday and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, in Daytona Beach.
Weydert was charged with one count of dealing in stolen property.
Harrell was charged with seven counts of violating the Secondary Metals Recyclers Act by giving false verification of ownership.
WFTV
