ST. LOUIS • A scrap metal dealer was the latest victim of copper theft, authorities say. The perpetrator: a former employee of the plant.

Steven M. Bonney, 22, of the 4300 block of Bates, was charged Wednesday in St. Louis Circuit Court with one count each of second-degree burglary and stealing more than $500 in property, both felonies. An at-large warrant has been issued for his arrest. Bail was set at $25,000 cash.

A probable cause statement from police says that a manager at Arch Metals, at 218 East Courtois Street, discovered someone had broken into the building through the ceiling sometime between Sept. 9 and 12. More than $500 worth of copper was stolen. When police interviewed Bonney, he admitted that he and two others were responsible.

Police could not be reached to say whether those other two individuals also face charges.