In Colorado: More Time For Copper Than Gold

A man gets 14 years in prison for stealing 33,000 pounds of copper. In another story, 1.7 million dollars worth of gold is stolen. One guy in that case got four years and of course the guy who "cooperated" got probation. When did copper become worth more than gold?

DENVER A man accused in a series of copper thefts has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

The Colorado attorney general's office announced Timothy Allan Nolan, 37, pleaded guilty to violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.

Nolan was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly stealing nearly 33,000 pounds of copper and other metals from businesses in Denver, Longmont and Northglenn.

“Theft of copper has become a significant problem in Colorado and this case reflects the fact that law enforcement and the courts are reacting appropriately,” Attorney General John Suthers said in a prepared statement. “Mr. Nolan has received a proper punishment for his part in these crimes, and justice appears to have been served.”

Three other people involved in the case, Gary Duane Buechler, Sarah “Sally” Smith and Nicole Renee Wight all pleaded not guilty and will go to trial. A fourth defendant, Todd Wallace Gray pleaded guilty and will be sentenced Aug. 28.
The Denver Post