OCEANA, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A local gym owner got a rude surprise when he discovered his air conditioning unit had been gutted—literally. Now, a man is facing charges after confessing to stealing copper tubing and damaging key components of the system, racking up over $2,500 in repairs.
On May 9, 2025, authorities responded to The Party Gym in Oceana for a property damage and larceny complaint. The gym owner reported that after a staff member flagged an A/C malfunction, he checked the unit himself and found copper tubing had been cleanly cut and removed—along with other critical parts. The theft had also damaged the unit’s motor and electrical components, forcing him to pay $2,532 in repairs.
As the investigation unfolded, police learned that Adam Paul Evans had been bragging about selling stolen copper in Crany, W.Va. Officers tracked Evans down the same day and questioned him.
At first, Evans denied knowing anything. But when officers told him they planned to verify copper sales in the area, Evans paused—then confessed. He admitted to cutting and stealing the copper tubing and removing a component from the gym’s A/C unit. The entire interview was recorded, and Evans was aware of it.
Receipts confirming the sale of the stolen copper were also recovered, sealing the case.
Evans now faces charges related to theft and destruction of property, and could be on the hook for restitution in addition to criminal penalties.
