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Hillsborough Deputies: 2 Jailed For Harvesting AC Coils

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By MIKE WELLS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

Two young men tore apart at least nine air conditioners in the past few months in Riverview and Gibsonton and stole the copper coils inside, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said the duo dismantled the units on Dec. 22 and 28 and Jan. 5 and 24. Each of the stolen coils was worth about $300, but damage to each unit exceeded $1,000, authorities said.

On Tuesday evening, deputies arrested Timothy A. Brothers of 9012 Carey Road, Lithia, and Stephen M. Arellano of 9750 Symmes Road, No. 116, Gibsonton, according to arrest reports.

Both turned 18 in January, so all but the thefts on Jan. 24 occurred while they were minors.

Brothers faces nine felony counts each of grand theft and criminal mischief. He was in Orient Road Jail this morning. His bail was set at $36,000.

Arellano was charged with 18 counts each of grand theft and criminal mischief. He was in Orient Road Jail this morning. His bail was set at $72,000.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib.com.

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