Man Who Requested Traffic Stop Now Confronts 23+ Year Prison Sentence

The Maricopa Police Department has pressed new felony charges against Eric W. Lay, 38, following troubling developments in a case initially reported last month on InMaricopa.com.

On January 7, Lay was apprehended while driving a stolen trailer past the police station. During this traffic stop, officers discovered he was in possession of dozens of doses of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Initially, the unusual items found in his truck prompted speculation. However, further investigation revealed that they were linked to a more serious crime.

Upon arrest, police uncovered four copper pipes and spigots, which appeared to have been recently cut, hidden beneath the bench seat of Lay’s truck. Additional tools were found in the vehicle, including a cordless rotary grinder and an electric saw, as detailed in a probable-cause statement.

Just days later, a tip was received by the police about the theft of copper piping from new homes in Desert Passage. The construction superintendent identified the seized items from Lay’s vehicle, confirming their theft, with replacement costs estimated at $1,100.

Prior to a recent incident that led to his second arrest, Lay was out on bail. He was in the passenger seat of his own vehicle when police in Laveen apprehended a wanted man behind the wheel.

During questioning, Lay claimed ignorance regarding the copper pipes, asserting he did not know how they ended up in his vehicle. Despite his denial, the police pointed out Lay’s extensive history with illegal scrapping, to which he continued to deny involvement in copper theft.

As a result of these events, Lay has been charged with multiple felonies: burglary in the third degree, aggravated criminal damage, possession of burglary tools, and theft of metals. He now faces a possible prison sentence exceeding 23 years.