Marlboro County deputies charged Michael Lee Caulder, 28, of Bennettsville, with multiple counts of Burglary, Malicious Damage to Property and Larceny. They charged Robert Christopher Hampton, 20, of Bennettsville with Obstruction of Justice.
Deputies say Caulder stole copper line from outside and underneath 12 different churches starting in early May. They say he burglarized two of the churches twice.
Deputies say they figured out it was Caulder because he was selling a lot of copper to salvage yards, had worked for various companies that install Heat and A/C Units, and was seen at one of the churches. Caulder was also convicted for stealing copper from the Blenheim School work site in April.
Marlboro County deputies stopped Caulder Thursday and arrested him for Driving Under Suspension while simultaneously searching his apartment. Bennettsville police helped with the search.
Deputies say Hampton is an employee of JT Salvage and told Caulder deputies were seizing copper and tickets with his name on them. They say he also told Caulder not to bring any more copper there. Deputies say the owner of JT Salvage was not aware that Hampton was talking with Caulder, and the company cooperated with the search.
Deputies say the thefts and damage to the churches are in the thousands of dollars.
