A Bradford man has been charged with stealing bridge grates belonging to Bradford Township and selling them for scrap.

Timothy A. Smith, 35, of 1095 South Ave., was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Richard Luther on charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, both first-degree misdemeanors.

Court records stated that on June 8, Bradford Township Police were notified that two 3-by-3-foot custom-cut bridge grates that were being stored against the railing of a bridge on Crookerhouse Lane were stolen. The grates had been used to control access to water and debris in the pipes under the bridge.

A witness allegedly saw two males load the grates into a Ford pick-up truck.

Police contacted Goodman Services and talked to an employee who confirmed that Smith had just brought two grates and was given $54.64 in exchange for them. The officer ran the license plate provided by the first witness and found that Smith was one of the people to whom the pick-up truck was registered, according to court records.

Police talked to Stateline Supply — where the township purchases its steel — and learned it would cost $500 to replace the grates.

Smith was released on $2,500 unsecured bail, and a Central Court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 21