Covington Police arrest 3 in conjunction with brass thefts

By Barbara Knowles (1651)
barbara.knowles@newtoncitizen.com

As of Wednesday, January 11, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- The Covington Police Department has made three arrests that will clear multiple cases involving businesses and industries in both the city and the county.

According to CPD Public Information Officer Capt. Ken Malcom, the cases involve the thefts of brass fittings located outside of buildings.

"They are brass connectors and test valves that are outside of buildings used in conjunction with sprinkler systems," Malcom explained, adding that fire departments use them in cases where sprinkler systems are activated.

Malcom said the cases involve five industries in the city and several more in the county. Complaints were received over a two-month period.

Those arrested are:

-- Bill Thomas Burgess, 36, of 100 Roseberry Lane, charged with five felony counts of theft by taking;

-- Steven Douglas Ries, 33, of 7 South Broad St., Porterdale, charged with 17 counts of theft by receiving;

-- Krystle Renae Slaton, 26, of 72 Broad St., Porterdale, charged with one count of theft by receiving.

Some knowledge of sprinkler systems was apparently needed for the thefts to take place.

"Our investigation showed that Burgess had been charged with a similar crime in another jurisdiction in the past and was possibly familiar with the process of how to remove these fixtures," Malcom said.

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