Copper Theft 16,000 Pounds...

FishHunt

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Franklinville, NC
http://www.kctv5.com/news/15892425/detail.html

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Federal prosecutors have accused two Lake City Army Ammunition plant workers of stealing bullet cups from the facility and selling them for their copper.

"These little bullet cups … were taken to a salvage yard in Moberly, Mo., according to the indictment, and instead of being used for ammunition, and that's a very serious federal offense," said Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cowles.

Charles Dale Osborn, 45, of Odessa, Mo., and Timothy Duane Langevin, 36, of Independence, Mo., could spend multiple 30-year terms in a penitentiary if convicted.

"Anyone who interrupts the flow of war material to troops in a time of national emergency, which we have been in since 9-11, that's considered a very serious federal offense," Cowles said.

Federal prosecutors said the men stole more than 16,000 pounds of the copper jackets used to make bullets sent to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and that resulted in fewer bullets manufactured.

"It was over 8 tons that could have produced about 1.5 million rounds of ammunition," Cowles said.

And in a time of war, prosecutors said it could be considered sabotage, a charge they've rarely used.

"It's not very common that someone dares to interrupt the flow of ammunition to the troops," Cowles said.

Osborn and Langevin were employed as machine repairmen at the plant. They allegedly shared about $45,000 in proceeds from salvaging the copper material.



1.5 MILLION rounds that could have been shipped to our troops. Anyone besides me think they should have a quick trial and a meeting with a firing squad? :mad:

<><Fish
 
is copper really up to 3 bucks/lb? HOLY CRIPES. I used to love getting spare wire off jobs. I filled up my wifes grand a few times and got around 800 a trip but 45k?
 
I heard on here you can tow a trailer with all that behind an S-10 with no trailer brakes, no problem..
 
thiefs?
Yes...

Sabotage?
I wasnt aware we had a bullet shortage, causing deaths and such.
 
Yea 30 years is a little harsh. Then again, they are theives and get what they deserve.
 
To be sabotage I would think the intent would have to be to starve the military of Ammo. I doubt this is the case. Plainly did it for the funds the copper would bring.
I read lots of pieces about theft of copper, aluminum, stainless, and catalytic converters. All for the money. Restitution, and do the time for theft. I don't see them treated like a terrorist.
 
The military certainly has no shortage of ammo, but this isn't helping the already ridiculous prices we (and the military) now pay for ammo. Go ahead and shoot them.
 
What a load of crap...

Ok these guys screwed up.

but i havn't heard of a amo shortage overseas..
 
What a load of crap...
Ok these guys screwed up.
but i havn't heard of a amo shortage overseas..

No, not gonna run out of ammo. Not even close. Its the equalivant of an inside secret attack on our military. OK a very weak attack if it was even that. But ignorance is no defense. The act of what they did was equal to an act of treason. But like I said, a very poor act that had no impact but a few $'s when compared to the $'s we spend on war any way, its nothing. But we don't need people undermining our efforts in any way shape or form. Period and they must be made an example of or else others, smarter others, may get the same idea.
 
To be sabotage I would think the intent would have to be to starve the military of Ammo. I doubt this is the case.
Intent has nothing to do with it. If the end result is less ammunition produced, then they are guilty of the crime. Since we're at war that ups the ante from grand theft to Sabotage. F 'em. I've had enough stuff stolen from me over the years that you're not going to catch me crying over the fate of a thief. They're getting what they deserve.
 
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