Athens Police have arrested a former city recycling center employee who they believe is responsible for recent thefts of copper from the center.

On Friday, Investigator Patrick Minor arrested George Edward Easto, 45, of 22739 Pine Road, Athens, on a charge of first-degree theft or allegedly stealing about $4,000 worth of copper from the center over the past few months, Police Chief Floyd Johnson said.

Easto was booked at the Police Department and transferred to the Limestone County Jail, where bail is set at $5,000 on the felony charge.