Theft of 650 pounds of copper results in arrests of 2 Moab men

MOAB — Two men linked to the theft of approximately 650 pounds of copper wire are facing numerous criminal charges in Grand County.

William Joseph Young, 35, of Moab, was charged Monday in 7th District Court with receiving a stolen vehicle, drug possession with intent to distribute, obstruction of justice and two counts of possession of a gun by a restricted person, second-degree felonies; two counts of theft, burglary, failing to stop for an officer, having a false title and registration and having a vehicle without a VIN number, all third-degree felonies; possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools, class B misdemeanors; and driving on a suspended license, a class C misdemeanor.

Calvin Edward Garland, 52, of Moab, was charged with drug possession with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a gun by a restricted person and receiving a stolen vehicle, second-degree felonies; theft, having a vehicle or trailer without a VIN number, and having a false title and registration, third-degree felonies; and possession of burglary tools, a class B misdemeanor.

On Dec. 29, a man reported to the Grand County Sheriff's Office that he was chasing a man in a Jeep who had stolen copper wire, according to charging documents.

"The amount of copper was estimated to be 650 pounds," a police booking affidavit states. "The copper was recovered due to copper falling out of the suspect vehicle while the victim was following him away from the scene of the theft."

While deputies were at the scene where the copper wire had fallen onto the road, the Jeep returned and drove by, the charges state. Deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over, and after chasing after it, found the Jeep abandoned a short time later with the engine still running.

"Inside the Jeep was a hacksaw and other random tools. These tools were consistent with tools used for burglary," according to the charges. "The VIN number in the Jeep also did not match the plates. (A deputy) was informed that the Jeep was listed as stolen" from Durango, Colorado.

Documents were also found inside the Jeep identifying Garland and Young, deputies say. Investigators learned that both men lived on the same property. Deputies went to the area with a search warrant.

"At first, Young failed to comply with orders, and finally complied when Young was called out at gunpoint. Garland was also located at this time and captured by law enforcement," the charges state.

Guns, drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized during the search. Court documents indicate the theft charges also include the theft of more than 25 pounds of aluminum.

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