Duo Arrested in $200,000 Air Conditioning Copper Scraping Scheme at Coral Springs Church

CORAL SPRINGS, FL — Two suspects are facing severe charges after being accused of orchestrating a massive copper theft scheme that targeted a Coral Springs church, causing an estimated $200,000 in damages and lost equipment. The duo allegedly dismantled several commercial air conditioning units to sell the copper as scrap metal.

The Coral Springs Police Department launched an investigation after church administration reported that the sanctuary's cooling systems had stopped working. Upon closer inspection, maintenance crews discovered that the large industrial air conditioning units had been systematically stripped of their copper tubing and condenser coils. The cost to repair the damage and replace the units is estimated at nearly $200,000, creating a significant financial burden for the parish.

Detectives utilized local surveillance footage and coordinated with regional metal recycling centers to trace the stolen copper. This led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the two suspects. Both individuals are charged with grand theft, criminal mischief, and burglary of a structure. Police are warning local institutions, particularly churches and schools that may have secluded utility areas, to secure their outdoor HVAC equipment with protective cages and alarms.