FRANKFORT, KY (FOX19) - Attorney General Jack Conway announced that a new law takes effect today to deter the growing problem of metal theft in Kentucky. House Bill 242 unanimously passed both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly during the 2011 legislative session and was signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear on March 16.

"Near-record prices for copper, platinum, aluminum and other metals have fueled the theft of common items such as copper wiring from utility lines, tornado warning sirens, coal mines and even foreclosed homes," said General Conway. "Metal theft is not only taking a heavy financial toll on businesses, it is endangering lives and putting communities at risk."

Metal theft costs businesses nationally around one billion dollars each year, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A second suspect in the killing of a man and the burning of his body has accepted a plea deal in Covington.

Patrick Cooke of Covington pleaded guilty on Monday to facilitation to murder, first-degree robbery and tampering with physical evidence.

The 26-year-old Cooke also agreed to testify against others in the beating and strangulation killing of Shawn Davis in January 2009.

The commonwealth is recommending Cooke be sentenced to 25 years in prison. He would be eligible for parole after serving half of the term. Mary Ann Hartbarger pleaded guilty in January to a reduced charge and Samantha Mayes is discussing a plea deal.

The commonwealth wants the death penalty for Marion Lawson Parker III, whose murder trial is scheduled for Aug.

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - A man accused of at least three robberies in the area has been arrested.

Brandon McMillian, 32, was wanted for robbing the Country Market in Alexandria and is also a suspect in at least two other robberies. He would always use a knife and strike during the day time.

McMillian was arrested without incident by the Kentucky US Marshal Fugitive Strike Task Force with the assistance of SOFAST at the Wendy's restaurant on Hopple Street in Cincinnati.

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