Gordon Dale Kazen, 55, of Cedar Lake, has been charged in Lake County after police allege he stole copper from an air conditioning unit at Innovations on Learning in the 8100 block of Georgia Street in Merrillville, causing approximately $6,200 in damage. According to court documents, the incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. on June 16.

According to court documents, officers responded to a report of theft and property damage after an employee reported that someone had cut and removed copper wiring from an outdoor air conditioning unit. Surveillance video allegedly showed a middle-aged man approach the unit, cut the copper wiring—causing refrigerant to spray from the unit—return briefly to the scene, and then leave.

Investigators reviewed the surveillance footage and distributed still images to patrol officers. Court records state officers later identified the suspect as Gordon Dale Kazen after locating him at a Merrillville motel.

According to court documents, on June 25 officers located Kazen in the 8300 block of Mississippi Street pushing a shopping cart filled with copper wire. Police said Kazen stated he was taking the copper to a Merrillville recycling center. During an interview, Kazen reportedly acknowledged he believed he was the person shown in the surveillance photographs but repeatedly stated he did not own the hooded sweatshirt seen in the images. He also told investigators he does not steal copper wire, saying he gets permission to take it and sells it for money. Court documents state Kazen admitted he had taken copper products to a Merrillville recycling center twice that week.

Investigators later learned Innovations on Learning paid approximately $6,200 to repair the damaged air conditioning units. Records obtained from the recycling center allegedly showed Kazen sold hundreds of dollars worth of copper during multiple transactions following the June 16 incident. Court documents also state Kazen has a prior theft conviction and is a suspect in at least five other copper theft investigations.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail on June 25, 2026.

Charges filed June 25, 2026:

Theft with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony

Criminal Mischief, Class A Misdemeanor

Theft, Class A Misdemeanor