BENTON, Ill. (WJPF) – A Franklin County man has been convicted of stealing copper from a Benton business.

Franklin County State’s Attorney Abby Dinn said Jeremy Roberson, 43, of Benton, was found guilty of burglary, theft, and criminal damage to property over $500.

In October of 2021, Roberson took the copper pipes and wiring from the walls and ceiling of the old Bombardier Boat factory building, now occupied by SI Storm Shelters. Roberson was found walking away from the area carrying the stolen material in the shell of a purple bean bag chair, which State’s attorney Dinn says was also stolen.

The case was the first jury trial in the new Franklin County courthouse.