Suspects allegedly took copper,  aluminum from home’s A/C

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Two people have been charged with two felonies each after allegedly stealing metals from an outdoor air conditioning unit.

Crystal Randolph, born 1976, of Seligman, and Ronda Peal, born 1984, of Seligman, are each charged with stealing ($750 or more) and first-degree property damage.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Jeremy Berner, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, on May 4, he initiated an investigation of theft and damage to an air conditioning unit. The report was filed on April 9, when the victim said someone had removed all the copper and aluminum from an outdoor air conditioning unit at his residence.

The report said the top of the unit was lying approximately two feet from the main body of the unit, and the unit itself was described as hollow, with noting inside of it.

The victim identified a family member, Randolph, as a suspect, saying she had admitted in a text message to opening the unit but denied stealing anything from it.

The deputy who took the report made contact with Randolph and Peal at their residence, where they both allegedly admitted to removing the top of the unit and again denied stealing anything.

The victim estimated the damages to the unit at $1,000.

Criminal summons have been issued for Randolph and Peal, with no bonds set. Initial appearances are scheduled for Jan. 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke.