Frank W. Weathers, 56, and Keith M. Sewell, 47, have been charged with theft over $500 after they reportedly were “caught in the act of stealing HVAC units from a commercial building,” according to Bob Gault, media relations coordinator for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.
While on patrol in the area of Spring Place Village, deputies received a call of looting.
After arriving on the scene Monday evening, “deputy Brandon Edwards observed the pair had loaded two air-conditioning units and several pieces of OSB board into the back of their truck. The two said they had permission to take those items,” according to Gault.
“At that time deputies conducting the investigation were able to speak with the person the men identified as telling them they could take the damaged property. That person denied giving permission and the property owner concurred. The HVAC units and OSB boards in the truck were valued at $600,” Gault added.
Sewell and Weathers posted $5,000 bail and were released.
Larry Dean Gibson Jr., 22, Dustin M. Lemons, 23, and two juveniles were arrested earlier this week after allegedly looting A.J.’s Market and a neighborhood nearby.
Sheriff Jim Ruth said curfews remain in effect from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. each day in the tornado-ravaged zones.
Resident passes have been issued to authorized and proven residents in each zone.
“It is my understanding that penalties for looting are doubled during this time,” said Ruth.
He said increased enforcement and presence has prevented some of the looting of victim’s homes and businesses destroyed by last week’s storms.
