Posted: 7:29 p.m. Oct. 17, 2009
Man arraigned for copper thefts that targeted department 35 times
By CECIL ANGEL
FREE PRESS~
A man who police say stole $10,000 worth of copper wiring during at least 35 break-ins over the past four months at a Detroit Public Lighting Department yard was arraigned today in 36th District Court in Detroit on charges related to the theft.
Joseph Cowan, 19, was charged with a count of receiving and concealing stolen property $1,000 to $20,000 and larceny. He was required to post a bond of 10%of $10,000.
A preliminary examination is scheduled for Friday. According to police, Cowan and his brother Orlando Cowan, 27, were arrested Wednesday during a surveillance operation conducted by the city’s Copper Theft Task force.
Orlando Cowan was arraigned Friday in 36th District Court on charges of larceny, selling stolen utility scrap and receiving and concealing stolen property, $1,000 to $20,000. He was arrested in the yard with a saw, ski mask and walkie-talkie in his possession.
Joseph Cowan, also in possession of a walkie-talkie, was arrested while waiting in vehicle parked on the street.
Staff writers Joe Swickard and Joe Rossiter contributed to this report. Contact CECIL ANGEL : 313-223-4531 or
angel@freepress.com
