Man accused of stealing electricity | News

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY (KFVS)- A McCracken County man is accused of stealing electric.

Thomas L. Harding, 42, is charged with theft of services under $500.

McCracken County Sheriff's deputies discovered that electricity was being stolen at 6920 McNeil Alsip Road while conducting an unrelated investigation on July 27.

Someone had placed pieces of copper pipe into the meter base and received electric service absent the meter.

Jackson Purchase Energy was notified of the discovery and sent one of their trained representatives to remove the copper pipes and terminate the power to the home.

Someone contacted Jackson Purchase about three months ago and inquired about having the power turned on, but never provided them with the necessary payment to reinstate the power.

Detectives interviewed Harding on July 31 and say Harding admitted that he was the one that had fabricated the pieces to steal the power saying he committed the theft around the end of May 2012.

Jackson Purchase Energy estimated Harding allegedly stole about $800 in electricity.

Harding was arrested on August 7 and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail for theft of services under $500.

The decision to charge Harding with theft under $500 was made after consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and Jackson Purchase Energy.

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