BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITZEN

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Law enforcement arrested two area men in the Buffalo Mountain area of Mingo County for allegedly stealing copper.

The Mingo County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) reported that deputies responded to the area Nov. 6 after receiving reports of copper theft. Witnesses had photographed two men, later identified as Elmer Teburn Whitt, 48, of McCarr, Kentucky, and Derrick Robert Mullins, 38, of Delbarton, confirming the theft. The stolen copper was valued at over $1,000.

Upon arrival, deputies found Whitt and Mullins behind Mullins’ residence burning copper wire. The men matched the photos provided.

After deputies informed them they were violating a statewide outdoor burning ban, Whitt and Mullins claimed they got the wire from the Millers Creek area.

A background check revealed Whitt had a warrant in Mingo County for a May 15, 2022, fleeing charge. He also faced a probation violation warrant in Kentucky. Deputies found Mullins in possession of fentanyl.

Both were arraigned in Mingo County Magistrate Court and formally charged with grand larceny, conspiracy to commit a felony, trespassing, and burning while prohibited.

Mullins also faces a charge of simple possession of a controlled substance.