An Atmore man was arrested Friday in Pensacola after allegedly attempting to sell a large amount of copper stolen from his Mobile-based employer.

Charles Edward Hawkes, 33, of 2070 Rockaway Creek Road in Atmore, was charged with a second-degree felony  for dealing in stolen property.

According to reports from the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department, Hawkes was identified by an employee of Wise Recycling company in Pensacola as the man who attempted to sell various copper tubes, bars and wiring on June 29.

Deputies made contact with Hawkes, attempting to determine whether or not the materials were stolen. After contacting his employer, deputies determined Hawkes had stolen the copper from Piedmont Mechanical, which had reported the theft to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

Any employee with Wise Recycling is required to only accept copper wiring from a certified, licensed electrician, according to the report.

Officials from Piedmont Mechanical made arrangements to pick up the materials from Wise Recycling and a warrant sent for judicial review resulted in Hawkes arrest for his part in the attempted exchange.

Hawkes was transported to the Escambia County Jail in Pensacola where he was later released on $7,500 bond.

Recent legislation aimed at requiring the purchase of copper and other metals to also require verification of ownership has been implemented in an attempt to curb the recent surge in such crimes in the area.