James L. Chastain

CLEMSON — A 46-year-old Walhalla man was arrested Saturday in connection with the theft of copper from Clemson University property in Oconee County.

James L. Chastain was charged by Clemson University police with committing injury to real property, fixtures or improvements to obtain nonferrous metals, damage of $5,000 or more. He was arrested Saturday by Oconee County sheriff’s deputies.

Police said someone stole copper from transformers at the Clemson University impound lot in Oconee County Feb. 7. The damage to the transformers is estimated to be $11,000.

Chastain, who is not a Clemson student or employee, is being held at the Oconee County Detention Center pending a $10,000 surety bond.