On November 29, 2011 the Smithfield Police Department completed a series of arrests related to a breaking & entering at Copper & Brass Sales, 279 Jenckes Hill Road. The crime resulted in the theft of nearly 30,000 lbs of new copper, worth approximately $100,000.
The suspects in this case used a rented box truck to transport the stolen copper. They also wore Halloween costumes to disguise themselves from video surveillance.
After a month long investigation police have charged Matthew C. Andrade, 23 of Warwick; Antonio Espanol, 31 of Providence; and Brian Torres, 23 of West Warwick. All three suspects were charged with Breaking & Entering, Conspiracy, and Larceny over $500.
All three suspects were arraigned in Kent County District Court. They have been released on bail pending future court appearances.