Patrick Delaney, 21, of Rye, confessed to stealing copper from a South Polk County church.
Investigators Arrest Copper Thief Who Targeted a Church, SOUTH POLK COUNTY, April 9, 2010 - On March 26, 2010, the Polk County Sheriff's Office was able to identify a man who is suspected of stealing copper from the Holly Grove Church located in South Polk County near Liberty County. According to Detective Christopher Lima, the Holly Grove Church (situated in a remote area of Polk County) has been the target of blatant copper thieves.
During the investigation, interviews were conducted of several persons of interest and a suspect was pinpointed. A subsequent arrest was made in connection with the copper theft. Arrested and charged is Patrick Delaney, 21, of Rye. In an interview with investigators Delaney confessed to the crime. Lima says that the Sheriff's Office has recently launched several investigations into the theft of copper. Lima stated that due to the increase in price of the semi-precious metal, theft is also on the increase.
"The Polk County Sheriff's Office wants to make it known that it will not tolerate crime of any kind in Polk County and wants to send a very clear message to individuals committing crimes: If you commit the crime, we are going to do anything within our legal means to catch you", Lima said.
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