ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Two men have been accused of nicking nearly three tons of stainless steel from a building at the University of Michigan.

The Ann Arbor News reported Friday that 41-year-old Linden Vann of Wayne and 21-year-old Matthew Reusch of Westland are charged with larceny.

Both men pleaded not guilty and requested public defenders at an arraignment on Thursday.

Police say the men stole 11 large pieces of steel weighing about 5,900 pounds on two separate occasions last month. The metal was being used for a research project involving the U.S. Navy.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.