Two Boone County brothers have been implicated in the theft of a pair of mine rebreathers which occured in Nicholas County.

On Nov. 27, Brandon Lee Beverly, 31, and Ronald Wayne Beverly, 34, both of Whitesville, illegally removed two self-contained self-rescuers from a mine in Nicholas county, according to West Virginia State Policeman Cpl. L.G. O'Bryan.

Underground miners carry the devices, which produce breathable air, to help them escape mines after a fire or explosion.

The equipment was the property of the Mammoth in London mine in Kanawha County, O'Bryan added.

Brandon Beverly was arrested when he attempted to exit through the mine gate and was stopped by a security guard, according to Trooper O'Bryan.

"Since Sago, legislation was passed that made stealing mine rebreathers a felony, regardless of the cost," O'Bryan said.

Beverly was charged with two felony counts for his alleged theft of the devices in addition to two petit larceny charges, one for each of the $700 safety devices, O'Bryan told the Coal Valley News.

When arrested, he was also charged with driving on a revoked license (DUI), trespassing, and transferring and receiving stolen property.

At the time of his arrest, Beverly was on probation for a previous mine theft conviction in Boone County, according to O'Bryan. He also faces a parole violation charge.

He is being held without bond at the South Central Regional Jail in Charleston. He awaits a hearing for parole violation, in addition to answering to his current charges.

Ronald Beverly is wanted in connection with the alleged theft, but has not yet been apprehended.