Due to the recent increase in metal theft in the Henderson and Vance County areas, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Department recently conducted a joint undercover operation to determine if the local metal recycling facilities were complying with state guidelines.
On January 25, 2011, an undercover officer was sent to B & M Metals located at 3353 Raleigh Road in Henderson. The officer was provided with regulated materials and instructed to attempt to sell the items. Employees of B & M Metals purchased the items produced for sale. Mark Parrott, 50, of 4034 Danwood Lane in Oxford, North Carolina was charged with one count of violating the regulated metal purchasing laws. Clarence Bryant, 59, 3411 Raleigh Road in Henderson also was charged with violating the regulated metal purchasing laws.
On January 26, 2011, an undercover officer was sent to Mike’s Auto Salvage located at 541 Industry Drive in Henderson. Again, the officer was provided with regulated materials and instructed to present them for sale. Employees of Mike’s Auto Salvage purchased these items and are alleged to not have followed state regulations. Christopher Lewis Brame, 37, 1785 N. Lynnbank Road in Henderson was charged with one count of violating the regulated metal purchasing laws. Robert Vernon Hawkins, 57, of 16800 Highway 49 in Clarksville, Virginia was charged with one count of violating the regulated metal purchasing laws.
As a public service notice, the general public is reminded of N.C.G.S. 66-11.1 which states:
66 -11.1. Transportation of copper.
It shall be unlawful for any person to transport or have in his possession on highways of this State, in any vehicle other than a vehicle used in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of transporting such copper, an amount of such copper of an aggregate weight of more than 25 pounds, unless such person shall have in his possession
(1) A bill of sale pertaining to such copper signed by (i) a holder of a sales and use tax registration number from the North Carolina Department of Revenue; or (ii) an authorized wholesaler engaged in the sale of such copper; or (iii) a registered dealer in scrap metals; or (iv) a seller of antiques or objects of art; or
(2) In the event the person from whom such copper was purchased was other than one of the above enumerated persons or firms, a certificate of origin signed by the sheriff, or his designated representative, of the county in which the purchase was made.
Such bill of sale or certificate of origin shall clearly identify the material to which it applies and show thereon the name and address of the seller, license plate of the vehicle in which such material is delivered to the purchaser, identified by license number, year and state of issue, the name and address of the purchaser, the date of sale, and the type and amount of such copper purchased.