Molino Man Convicted Of Stealing Copper Wire, Now Facing Federal Charge

August 5, 2014

A Molino man was convicted Monday of selling copper wiring  stolen from a private contractor working aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola and breaking into a Molino area home. And he’s now facing a federal charge in connection with the crime.

Calvin Antwane Smith, age 28 of Cedartown Road, was sentenced in Escambia Count Circuit Court Monday by Judge Gary Bergosh to 36 months probation on charges of felony fraud providing a false statement verifying ownership of regulated metals, and felony dealing in stolen property. According to investigators, he sold two spools of copper wire to two recycling companies after the wire was stolen from his private contractor employer at NAS Pensacola.

He is now facing a federal charge of larceny within a special maritime jurisdiction for stealing the wire, which was valued at less than $1,000. Arrested by federal authorities, Smith was released on his own recognizance pending a September federal court date.

Comments

5 Responses to “Molino Man Convicted Of Stealing Copper Wire, Now Facing Federal Charge”

  1. XD9RACER on August 5th, 2014 8:07 pm

    Probation for many offenders I just another word for a delayed prison sentence that continue the same lifestyle. If he had a habit or a reason to steal before then the likelihood of a continuation is there and off to prison he goes to possibly serve what the prison sentence could have been at the time of sentencing or at least back up and do in prison all the probation he was given a chance with. INSANITY is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result–not going to happen now or later. Recidivism is the constant falling back or the tendency to fall back into criminal, delinquent or antisocial habits in spite of punishment or the treatment received to prevent the reoccurrence. I’m sure it is better to have these type of people locked up than letting them run loose victimizing others.

  2. Don on August 5th, 2014 12:31 pm

    Check out this dude on public records.multiple felonies yet most are “no prosecution” why? these people laugh at our judicial system,use the free court attorney’s yet post thousands in bond’s to get out of jail! you may say that the court attorney’s are not free,but MOST are reduced to “liens” that are never ever paid….

  3. bewildered on August 5th, 2014 7:35 am

    He had a good job – why steal and risk it all? However, how the courts deal with recycling companies baffles me. I know nothing about their business and how they are able to come out smelling like a rose when participating in these transactions. They have to know that anybody coming in trying to sell a new reel of copper wire as scrap did not come by the stuff legitimately. I doubt they melt the wire down. Sounds like a racket!!!!

  4. Randy on August 5th, 2014 6:28 am

    why didn’t gary set him free too

  5. Don on August 5th, 2014 6:02 am

    OH NO not the feared PROBATION!!