BECKLEY -- State Police said Jeffrey Ferguson, 25, of Meade, was arrested Monday morning on charges of grand larceny, felony transfer of stolen property, misdemeanor destruction of property, petit larceny and misdemeanor transfer of stolen property charges.

Troopers said TWP Enterprise in Daniels reported that heavy duty batteries had been stolen from dozers, loaders and excavators at a work site near Coal City. The thefts were reported Monday, Oct. 12.

The investigation led police to the Beckley Garbage Recycling Center in Stanaford. Paperwork indicated the batteries had been sold to the center for $108 by Ferguson. Further investigation revealed other, similar batteries were sold to the center on Sept. 29.

Troopers who interviewed Ferguson, said he confessed to stealing batteries from TWP and from Pocahontas Coal Company. Investigators said Ferguson blamed a prescription drug addiction for the thefts.

Ferguson is free after he posted bond.