A Franklin County couple is pleading guilty to removing aluminum stabilizing braces from railroad cars in federal court today (Thursday).
According to court records 30 year old Jacob C. Brewer and 27 year old Michelle L. Phipps disabled on track equipment by removing aluminum stablizing braces from railroad freight cars owned by Ameren U. E.
The couple later sold the aluminum braces to local recycling centers.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a two hundred fifty thousand dollar fine or both.