Friday, August 17, 2012

Chicago Midway International (KMDW), Illinois: Airport Worker Charged With Stealing Copper Wire From Runway

 
David Coates was charged with one count of theft and faces up to five years in prison if found guilty, after video surveillance showed him stealing copper wire from an airport runway.

 
Cook County State's Attorney's Office: Press Releases 
Cook County State's Attorney
Communications Department
Chicago, IL 60602

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 16, 2012

City Employee Charged In Copper Wire Thefts From Midway Airport

 

Prosecutors have filed charges against a City of Chicago employee for stealing 500 feet of copper wire from Midway Airport, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

David Coates, 57, of Chicago was charged with one count of theft and is facing up to 5 years in prison if convicted.

According to prosecutors, Coates worked for the Chicago Department of Aviation at Midway Airport where he pumped gas. On Tuesday, Coates was captured on video leaving his work site in his truck to cut pieces from a copper runway wire.

Chicago Police investigated the thefts and found that he had taken approximately 500 feet of wire since August 12. Investigators also found Coates had taken the wire, valued at nearly $700, and sold it at a scrap yard.  Investigators also recovered a pair of wire cutters from the defendant when they confronted him about the thefts.

Coates was charged and appeared in court this morning where Judge Edward Harmening set his bond at $25,000. The case was continued to August 22 for a preliminary hearing.

The public is reminded that charging documents contain allegations that are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which the state has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

http://www.statesattorney.org


CHICAGO (AP) - A worker at Chicago’s Midway Airport has been charged with stealing copper runway wire. 

 The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office says David Coates was charged with one count of theft and faces up to five years in prison if found guilty.

Coates worked for the Chicago Department of Aviation and pumped gas at Midway.

Prosecutors say Coates was seen on video Tuesday leaving his work station in his truck to cut pieces from a copper runway wire.

Chicago police found he had taken about 500 feet of wire worth about $700 since Sunday. Prosecutors say he sold it at a scrap yard.

A judge on Thursday set his bond at $25,000. It wasn’t immediately clear if Coates had an attorney. There was no public phone listing for Coates. 


Story and photo:  http://stlouis.cbslocal.com

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