Clemson University Police Charge Man in Copper Theft

A Walhalla man was arrested in connection with the theft of copper at an Upstate university's property.

Clemson University police charged 46-year-old James L. Chastain with committing injury to real property, fixtures or improvements to obtain nonferrous metals, damage of $5,000 or more.

Chastain was arrested Saturday by Oconee County sheriff’s deputies.

Police said copper was stolen from transformers at the Clemson University impound lot in Oconee County Feb. 7. The damage to the transformers is estimated to be $11,000, according to the university.

Chastain, who is not a Clemson student or employee, is being held at the Oconee County Detention Center pending a $10,000 surety bond.