MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. — A 28-year-old man was arrested Friday on a warrant in connection with the theft of 24 school bus batteries, news partner The Enterprise reported.

Police say Jonathan Thomas of Middleborough was selling the batteries, which are valued at $120, as scrap metal for between $8 to $15 each.

Lt. Robert D. Ferreira Jr. said a majority of the batteries were recovered at a Hanson recycler along with batteries stolen from the heavy equipment company ADH Contracting, which is located near the East Grove Street bus lot. The thefts were believed to have occurred Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

A tipster led police to the vehicle used in the theft from the bus lot, and Detective Robert W. Lake identified Thomas as a suspect.

Thomas was charged with larceny by false pretense (taking money for stolen merchandise) and receiving stolen property.

Ferreira said Whitman detectives recovered 15 more batteries in a salvage facility in Whitman believed to be stolen from Middleborough, and Thomas faces additional charges.

Bail for Thomas was set at $1,040, and he was taken to the Plymouth House of Correction.

Thomas is expected to be arraigned Monday at Wareham District Court.