NEWS

Police allege thieves cut holes in fence to swipe copper and brass

PALMER TWP., Pa. - Authorities allege two men repeatedly broke into a Palmer Township business, stealing thousands in brass, copper and aluminum and doing thousands more in damage.

John F. Struble, of East Fourth Street, faces theft and conspiracy charges in connection to a series of alleged break-ins at Belyea Company. District Judge Jacqueline Tachner arraigned the 54-year-old Tuesday, setting bail at $35,000. His co-defendant, 30-year-old James Vannatta, was arraigned Thursday afternoon on two sets of similar charges. His bail was set at a combined $30,000.

Belyea reported three thefts from the company’s Northwood Avenue property in April and July. In each case, the bandits stole copper, brass and aluminum from commercial transformers and electrical devices stored in a fenced outdoor area, according to court records.

The stolen metal was valued at more than $2,000, and the company estimated the thieves caused more than $5,000 in damage, including cutting holes in the fence, according to records. Palmer Township police began contacting scrap and salvage businesses in the area and allegedly found three locations in Northampton and Lehigh counties were Belyea parts had been sold.

Investigators allege Struble, Vannatta and third man sold the stolen transformer parts to scrap yards. It does not appear that authorities have charged the third man named in the criminal complaint.

Video surveillance from the company allegedly shows thieves who look similar to Struble and Vannatta stealing parts, according to records. Police said surveillance video shows one of the men, who looks like Struble, trying to hide his arms under his shirt. Authorities said Struble has identifiable tattoos on both arms.

Employees at one of the scrapyards reported Vannatta was driving a Ford pickup reported stolen out of Phillipsburg, N.J., according to authorities.

Authorities charged Struble in connection to a July 29 theft with theft, receiving stolen property, defiant trespass and two counts of conspiracy. He failed to post bail and was sent to Northampton County Prison to await a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 4.

Authorities charged Vannatta, of Easton, with conspiracy, theft, defiant trespass, criminal mischief and receiving stolen property in connection to thefts on July 21 and 29. He too failed to post bail. His next court date is a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 6