A Commerce man has been arrested and charged in connection with a string of copper wire thefts in six area churches, as well as six residences, over the past two weeks.
Michael Allen Harbert, 28, 112 Loggins Trail, was taken into custody Thursday, according to chief deputy Shawn Burns.
Burns said they believe Harbert is connected to copper wiring thefts at Black’s Creek Baptist, Moon’s Grove Baptist, Bluestone Baptist, Liberty Baptist, Tabor’s Chapel CME, and New Generation Baptist.
He is being held at the Madison County Jail on four counts of burglary, eight counts of felony theft-by-taking and four counts of criminal damage to property.
Burns said in some cases Harbert allegedly cut the wiring from a/c units and gas lines without entering the premises.
Sheriff Kip Thomas said several entire a/c units were also taken.
Both Thomas and Burns said Harbert is also a suspect in similar crimes in several different counties in the area.
Michael Allen Harbert
If it was to feed his family or keep shelter for the same . Then I not only feel sorrow for him but for our community as well. We have let down another of our family and a brother in need .
Either way what he has done was very wrong and I have to commend the Sheriffs Office for catching a thief. We all know that stealing is wrong and Kip and Shawn good job guys, keep up the good work !!! Kip Thomas For Sheriff 2012
Wow, that's one a day with Sundays off. The real way to deal with these thefts is at the recyclers. I don't know if it will help, but the state passed a new law to that effect recently. Time will tell.
I too support the sheriff. Good job.