Mingo County Sheriffs’ deputies arrested a man and woman for allegedly stealing from S&S Copper, located in Cow Creek near Ragland.

Investigating officer Sgt. James Muncy said Benton Simpkins, 23, of Delbarton, and Tessa Holbrook, 21, of Williamson, were arrested on felony grand larceny and transferring property charges, after taking an estimated $1,004 in copper.

The two were arraigned in front of Magistrate Dee Sidebottom and bond was set at $3,000 for each individual.

Simpkins and Holbrook were transported to Southwestern Regional Jail.

Williamson Police Department also had three copper arrests on Thursday night. Officer Darry Paige arrested Joshua Bevins, of Naugatuck, and Dwight Gilman, of Delbarton, after they were allegedly spotted stealing copper from Big Frank’s, on Buffalo Mountain .

The duo was spotted by Deputy Blake Sipple and confessed to stealing $759 in copper from Big Frank’s.

They were arrested for breaking and entering and petit larceny. Bond was set at $7,000 for each individual.

According to www.geology.com, in 2008 the price of copper fell from about $4 per pound down to nearly $2 per pound in response to sharply lower demand that exists nearly worldwide.

In the past, copper theft has resulted in several deaths across the Mountain State. Although arrests for copper theft this week has been high, Mingo County Sheriffs Deputy Joe Smith said the frequent occurrence of copper theft in the past has decreased due to descending prices for scrap metal.

Contact the Mingo County Sheriffs Office if you have any information regarding any copper thefts in the area.