Byron Stuckey- photo Kan. Dept. of Corrections
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say that a man accused of stealing air-conditioning units has been federally indicted.
The Wichita Eagle reports that Byron Stuckey faces three counts of venting a Class II substance for releasing Freon, a gas used as a refrigerant, when he allegedly cut copper tubing in units he stole in 2012 and 2014. Stuckey is currently imprisoned at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in connection with the 2014 theft as well as forgery, identity theft and misdemeanor theft convictions from Sedgwick County.
Police announced the indictment Monday after working with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Kansas City office. According to Capt. Jose Salcido, the indictment redefines the way police will go after people who steal air conditioners.
Each count carries a potential sentence of five year in prison, and $250,000 in fines.
Court records did not have an attorney listed for Stuckey.