Floridan Staff Report
Published: May 3, 2008

Two Marianna men have been arrested Friday after the theft of copper wire from a business in Marianna.

Donald Frank Maty, 49, and Tony Dewayne Baxley, 36, were each charged with grand theft and booked into the Jackson County Correctional Facility Friday after Marianna Police officers responded to a report of theft at Mowrey Elevator.

The following press release was distributed by MPD Saturday:

“On 05/02/08 Officers from the Marianna Police Department received information of the aforementioned subject’s had removed copper wire, without permission, from Mowrey Elevator located at 4518 Lafayette Street, Marianna, Fl 32446. Once the subject’s were seen attempting to leave the business, with the said items, Officer Michael Miller was contacted by a staff member of Mowrey Elevator and was given the subject’s vehicle description and names. As Officer Miller and other Officer’s with the Marianna Police Department arrived at the business, Donald Maty was observed attempting to leave the Mowrey Elevators west end parking lot. Maty was detained, while Officers confirmed the stolen items in Maty’s possession.”

“At that time, what was later found to be 235 pounds of cooper wire was found in the bed of Maty’s vehicle, located inside a yellow 55 gallon drum. Maty identified Tony Dewayne Baxley as his accomplice in the theft. Baxley had fled the scene as law enforcement arrived, in a black Mazda 626 owned by Maty. With the help of Jackson County Sheriff’s Department personnel, Baxley was found at his residence on Lipford Road, where he was apprehended. Baxley was then transported to the Marianna Police Department where he and Maty were both processed.

The value of the stolen wire is estimated at approximately $925.00. Both subjects (were charged) with grand theft and placed in the Jackson County Correctional Facility awaiting first appearance.”