BERN TOWNSHIP, PA — Police have charged a man in connection with the theft of copper downspouts from a historic mansion undergoing restoration at the Berks County Jail.
Staff at the jail reported the theft on August 27 after discovering approximately $4,000 worth of copper had been removed from the Hiester Mansion during overnight hours, causing damage to the historic structure.
Timothy A. Kern was identified as a suspect based on information from multiple sources, according to Bern Township Police.
Kern had recently been assigned to a work detail at the jail and was familiar with the restoration project before being released from that assignment on August 20, one week before the theft was reported.
The Berks County Adult Probation Office issued a probation violation warrant for Kern in September after he failed to comply with several probation requirements.
Police received information that Kern was staying in Minersville, and the Minersville Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Kern was taken into custody at a residence in Minersville on October 20.
Investigators determined Kern conspired with another male to steal the copper and sell it for scrap.
The second suspect is currently wanted in connection with the offense.
Kern waived his preliminary hearing on December 23 and is currently housed at the Berks County Jail pending final disposition of the case.
