Two charged for trying to steal copper from church

EAST HAMPTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Two people have been arrested after attempting to steal copper from an East Hampton church. 

Police have charged 24 year old Frederick Dart of Portland and 19 year old Nicole LaPlante of East Hampton with criminal mischief, larceny, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit larceny. 

Police found a backpack of copper items and gutters pulled off of the Second Congregational Church on Middle Haddam Road on Saturday morning after a report of suspicious activity, but neither of the suspects were there.

LaPlante was arrested after police were called to the Cobalt Lodge where she had asked for directions saying she was abandoned by her boyfriend.

She confessed to taking part in the attempted church theft and led police to Dart, police said.

Both have been released on bond and are due in court on July 31.