A Baxter County man has been arrested after tampering with a water meter.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Northeast Public Water Authority (NPWA) stating a water meter had been tampered with, causing a large water leak.
Employees stated a couple drove up to the customer service window asking for water to be turned on at residence and placed in his name. The home belonged to him mother, who was deceased. Employees told 42-year-old James Edward Hicks III, his mother had outstanding bills which needed to be paid before they could transfer the account. Hicks told the employees his sister would have to pay the bills, appeared to be aggravated and drove away.
During meter checks, an employee noticed the cover for the water meter open at the resident and saw where the meter had been tampered with using a white PVC pipe to bridge the water main and the residential line together. The tampering caused a large water leak causing the yard to have a ditch with water running through it. The tampered meeter only benefited the residence Hicks had previously inquired about.
An investigation confirmed Hicks and two other individuals were living at the residence. He was placed under arrest for active warrants. Hicks was also on probation.
The damage caused totaled $1368.43.
Hicks has been charged with felony counts of theft of services and criminal mischief. He is currently being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on $5,705 bond.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI