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Authorities Announce Indictments in Scrap Yard Investigation
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Central Ohio authorities say grave markers, beer kegs, copper wire and tons of shredded plastic have been recovered in an investigation into illegal scrap yard activities.
Investigators say specialized scrap banned by law for sale included railroad materials, AT&T communication wire and copper and aluminum wire from American Electric Power.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said that at one scrap yard 56 grave markets, 87 beer kegs, 409 storage bins and 7,800 pounds of shredded plastic were recovered.
O’Brien announced six grand jury indictments Friday against scrap metal yards. They indictments included one alleging a racketeering conspiracy.
O’Brien said stealing railroad materials and communication lines are crimes that create public safety hazards.
Columbus police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigated.