Arrests made in metal thefts

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of committing metal thefts at several Merced businesses, police reported.

Fredrick Ray Routt, 39, Jeremy Wayne Bailey, 28, and Christopher Patrick Bauman, 36, were taken into custody recently after a monthlong investigation by Merced police detective Paul Johnson, according to Sgt. Scott Skinner.

A fourth suspect, John Gerard Martinez, 47, is already in custody in Madera County for alleged copper wire theft, police said.

Back in January, police received information Routt and Bailey were stealing copper wiring and recycling the wiring at a South Highway 59 business. Police questioned Routt and Bailey, who eventually admitted taking the wiring from a 1600 W. Main St. building.

Police also believe the men burglarized at least six other Merced businesses on Main Street, Wardrobe Avenue and Cooper Avenue. The damage to the buildings totaled about $250,000.

The suspects mainly targeted abandoned buildings and returned several times for the wiring, police said. All four suspects agreed to cooperate with the police investigation and admitted their part in the thefts, police said.

During questioning by detectives, one of the men claimed he committed the theft to support his family, saying he felt it was a victimless crime, police said.

Routt is being held on suspicion of seven counts of commercial burglary, while Bailey is being held on suspicion of one count of commercial burglary and Bauman is being held on suspicion of four counts of commercial burglary.

Police are asking anyone with additional information to call Detective Paul Johnson at (209) 385-4710, or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Tips can be sent via anonymous text message by dialing "TIP411" (847411) and including the word "ComVIP" as the keyword in the text message.