James Blake Wingo Arrested in Hall County Copper Theft

Mike Gallagher

Jun 8, 2011 - 21:58

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James Blake Wingo Arrested in Hall County Copper Theft

James Blake Wingo (above), 21, and a juvenile face charges in connection with the theft of copper from a Hall County elementary school. (Photo: Hall County Sheriff's Office)

HALL COUNTY, Ga. - The Hall County Sheriff's Office says two people have been arrested in connection with a copper theft at a Hall County school.

James Blake Wingo, 21, and a juvenile face charges of Felony Theft by Taking, Criminal Damage to Property and Possession of Tools of a Crime.

Authorities say they responded to a call at Sugar Hill Elementary School on Tuesday moing. Earlier, Hall County school employees discovered a number of commercial air conditioner units on the roof had been damaged and the copper had been removed.

After checking local scrap metal recyclers, investigators were able to determine who disposed of the stolen metal, say authorities.

Wingo and the juvenile were then arrested at a home in the 2700 block of Dorsey Peek Road.

Authorities say the damage caused by the theft is approximately $75,000 to $100,000.