COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) — An alleged copper thief is in custody in Lowndes County. Authorities booked Armani Bell, 19, into the county jail on Thursday afternoon for burglary. He allegedly stole several copper fittings used for construction on the Mississippi University for Women campus, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s office. The construction company valued the items at $15,000. He also allegedly sold the items at a scrap yard. Bell formerly worked for the company, according to the sheriff’s office. Copyright 2026 WTVA. All rights reserved.