Two in court after alleged cement plant break-in, extensive damage

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two people suspected of causing an estimated $1.5 million in damage at a Brunswick County cement plant while trying to steal copper made their first court appearances on Monday, June 29th.

According to court records, Kerri Torres and Jordan DiStefano are accused of breaking into the CEMEX cement plant on Ideal Cement Road and damaging electrical wiring while attempting to steal copper.

Investigators allege Torres, DiStefano and a third suspect, Avery Herring, worked together during the break-in. Court documents state the suspects targeted electrical wiring containing nonferrous metals, resulting in extensive damage to the facility.

Torres and DiStefano have each been charged with felony injury to nonferrous metals, conspiracy, felony breaking and entering, and misdemeanor first-degree trespassing, according to court records.

Torres was given a $20,000 secured bond, while DiStefano received a $15,000 secured bond. Their next court appearances are scheduled for July 16.

Court records indicate all three suspects list the same address on McGregor Road.

Neighbor Trinity Vereen said the property has been a source of ongoing concerns for nearby residents.

“They’re horrible neighbors,” Vereen said. “If they could just demolish this whole land and get us a whole new house here with lovely neighbors, that would be great. They run generators 2 and 3 o’clock, pretty much all day. We consistently hear them bickering, fighting, throwing stuff, breaking stuff, building stuff, whatever they’re doing.”

Vereen said she saw two men with what she believed to be some of the stolen equipment in a truck parked outside the home earlier Monday and reported the activity to law enforcement.