City of Toledo driver indicted in theft of copper piping
3/10/2011A city of Toledo truck driver accused of stealing copper from a downtown building was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Wednesday on one count of grand theft.
James Laberdee, 38, of 550 Prouty Ave., is charged with stealing materials from the Madison Building. If convicted, he faces up to 1 1/2 years in prison.
Police found copper piping in Mr. Laberdee’s vehicle during a traffic stop on Feb. 9.
According to police, a patrol unit saw a man stealing copper pipes from the building at 607 Madison Ave., prompting the traffic stop.
The grand jury declined to indict Mr. Laberdee on two counts of breaking and entering. Mr. Laberdee was hired in July, 2002. His employment will depend on the outcome of the case, city officials said.