Two Ortonville residents have been arraigned on charges relating to recent copper thefts in the area.
Richard Edward Kwiatkowski, 33, was arraigned on Aug. 24 and Aug. 28 in 52-2 District Court on charges of second degree home invasion, possession of burglary tools, three counts of larceny over $1,000, and receiving and concealing property over $1,000.
His girlfriend whom he lived with, Jayme Kimberly Smith, 38, was arraigned Aug. 29 on a charge of second degree home invasion as well as receiving and concealing stolen property over $1,000.
The arrests of the pair came after an investigation by Detectives Arnie Terrell and Chris Pacholski of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Brandon substation, into the thefts of copper downspouts on three separate occasions this summer from the Brandon Township Library, 304 South St., as well as the theft of copper pipes from a vacant home in the 300 block of W. Glass Road.
According to police reports, four copper downspouts were reported stolen from the library July 16, four more were reported taken on July 30 and on Aug. 1, police were again called after two more were taken. The thefts and resulting damage has been costly to the library and taxpayers. Although the library is insured, a $500 deductible must be paid for each separate incident.
The theft of copper from the W. Glass Road home occurred July 21.
After extensive investigation, a felony traffic stop was made on Kwiatkowski and Smith, who told police they are heroin addicts and were en route to Detroit to purchase drugs.
Burglary tools including bolt cutters, wire cutters, a slim jim and crowbars were found in the vehicle, and Kwiatkowski confessed to the library thefts. Both he and Smith confessed to the W. Glass Road home invasion.
The pair are in Oakland County Jail, Kwiatkowski with a $286,000 bond, no 10 percent and Smith with a $100,000 bond, no 10 percent.
A preliminary exam for Kwiatkowski and Smith is set for 1:30 p.m., Sept. 4 at 52-2 District Court.