By Betsy Finklea
Two teens have been charged in a church copper case, according to Captain Cliff Arnette of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
Last Tuesday night shortly after midnight, a citizen called in to 9-1-1 about suspicious activity at New Hope Baptist Church in Latta. Deputies were dispatched along with the Latta Police Department.
When police arrived, two individuals took off running, but were caught by officers.
Robert Lee Sowells, age 19, Latta, and Johnathan Vereen, age 18, Latta, are charged with obtaining nonferrous metals unlawfully and malicious injury to property.
Arnette said the individuals were attempting to take or strip the heating and cooling unit.
Arnette said he would like to thank the Latta Police Department for their help on this matter which led to the quick apprehension of the suspects.
Arnette said that the Sheriff’s Office is also looking into the theft of a heating and cooling unit as well as the damaging of others from Berean Church of God in Christ and some in the area of Kendrick Circle.
Anyone with any information about the these incidents is asked to call the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office at 774-1432.