Two arrested in theft of copper

DULUTH - A Commerce woman and a Lavonia man have been arrested by Gwinnett police in connection with the theft of copper in the Duluth area.

Gwinnett County Police officers were dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle at 2805 Premier Parkway, according to spokesman Darren Moloney, who says the two were caught stealing copper. Moloney says the pair first told officers that they had permission to be there and take the items, but a representative of Shumate Mechanical Heating and Air told officers that was not so.

Moloney says both later admitted to investigators to previously taking copper from the same business and had receipts showing they had recycled the metal, which was worth about $1,100. Police says they also found the tools used to remove the copper.

The suspects are 30-year-old Chrissie Fontaine McGee of Commerce and 35-year-old Solomon Mayfield of Lavonia. Mayfield has been charged with the misdemeanor offense of criminal attempt to commit a crime, misdemeanor loitering, and felony possession of tools to commit a crime. No bond has been granted on the felony charge.

McGee has been charged the felony offense of criminal attempt to commit a crime, felony possession of tools to commit a crime, and misdemeanor loitering.