Two arrested, indicted on removing aluminum from railroad cars

Jacob Brewer and Michelle Phipps were arrested on Friday on an indictment, charging them with removing aluminum braces from railroad cars owned by Ameren UE.

According to the indictment, in February Brewer and Phipps disabled railroad on-track equipment by removing aluminum stabilizing braces from railroad freight cars.

The braces are designed to keep the freight cars from derailing when fully loaded and moving.

Brewer and Phipps were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 19 on one felony court of violence against railroad carriers.

Brewer and Phipps appeared in federal court on Friday morning.

If convicted, Brewer and Phipp could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory.