Man charged with copper theft in Scott County

BENTON, Mo. - A 21-year-old man is charged with burglary and stealing as well as property damage in connection with the theft of copper from a Sikeston resident.

James D. Barnes is charged with second degree burglary (C Felony), stealing (C Felony) and first degree property damage. Bond is set at $10,000.

Also two juveniles were taken into custody.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, a deputy handling a civil eviction at 706 Montgomery noticed a back door open at the residence. Upon entering the residence to investigate, he located two juveniles hiding inside. The juveniles 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.