McDonald Man Sentenced to Three Years for Copper Theft

A 52-year-old man from McDonald, Ohio has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing copper and violating firearms laws.

Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Cynthia Wescott handed down the sentence on Monday after a jury found Brian Clay guilty of theft, criminal tool, and weapons violations within 30 minutes.

The case began in October when police chased Clay and an accomplice who were stealing copper and other items from a business. When caught, Clay was found with a gun and tools used in the crime.

Assistant Prosecutor Gabriel Wildman said of Clay: 'Brian Clay is a career criminal with a lengthy criminal record, including multiple thefts and similar offenses.'

The price of scrap copper currently averages about $5 per pound.