TWO FAIRFIELD MEN WERE ARRESTED FRIDAY MORNING IN WHITE COUNTY FOR BURGLARY

Left to right: Joshua A. Zoph and Anthony M. Garrison (Photo credit: White County Sheriff's Office)

Two Fairfield residents were arrested early Friday morning after a break-in at the old White County Coal property in Epworth.

White County Sheriff Jordan Weiss reported that Joshua A. Zoph faces multiple charges including burglary, possession of burglary tools, unlawful use of property, possession of meth, criminal damage to government property (over $10,000 ), theft (over $500), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anthony M. Garrison was charged with similar offenses, including 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 . He also has outstanding warrants for unlawful possession of meth with intent to deliver and aggravated domestic violence/strangulation.

At approximately 3:45 a.m. Friday, a White County officer was dispatched to the property following reports of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the deputy and Carmi Police officers noticed a red Chevy vehicle approaching the front gate. They successfully blocked the entrance and stopped the vehicle. The deputy then spoke with Zoph and Garrison and learned that Zoph was wanted on a warrant out of Saline County and had two warrants out of Wayne County. Both individuals were also in custody for prior offenses in Wayne County and were wearing ankle monitors.

During the investigation, authorities found 80 to 100 pounds of heavy-duty copper wire, as well as burglary tools, a battery charger, meth, drug paraphernalia and a box of hydraulic fittings. Both men admitted to stealing the copper wire and were arrested and taken to the White County Jail pending their court appearance.