EPWORTH – Two Fairfield men were arrested following a burglary early Friday morning at the old White County Coal property in Epworth.

White County Sheriff Jordan Weiss says Joshua A. Zoph was charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Unlawful Use of Property, Possession of Meth, Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property over $10,000, Theft over $500 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Anthony M. Garrison was charged with Possession of Burglary Tools, Unlawful Use of Property, Possession of Meth, Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property over $10,000, Theft over $500 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia along with a warrant for Unlawful Possession of Meth with Intent to Deliver and a warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery/Strangulation.

Both men were taken to and lodged in the White County Jail.

Around 3:45 a.m. Friday, a White County deputy was sent to the old White County Coal property for a burglary in progress.

The deputy and Carmi Police officers arrived at found a red Chevy vehicle traveling towards the front gate of the property. The deputy was able to block the property’s entrance and the vehicle stopped. The deputy spoke to Zoph and Garrison. Zoph was also wanted on a Saline County warrant and two Wayne County warrants. Both men were found to be on pre-trial release and ankle monitors from other crimes they had committed in Wayne County.

Upon further investigation, 80 to 100 pounds (9 sections) of heavy duty copper wire was found along with burglary tools. A battery charger, meth, drug paraphernalia and a box with hydraulic fittings were also found. Both men admitted to sealing the copper wire. They were then arrested and taken to the White County Jail.