Vermont man admits stealing neighbor's electricity

[September 03, 2009]  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. (AP) -- A Vermont man admitted stealing electricity from his neighbor. Louis Martinez, 29, pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor theft of services and was ordered to pay $429 in fines and surcharges.

The Rutland Herald reported police learned about the matter in July. Police spoke with a representative from Central Vermont Public Service, who said Martinez's power had been disconnected in June for nonpayment.

The landlord showed police a yellow extension cord plugged into the electrical box of Martinez's neighbor, leading up to Martinez's apartment. The neighbor said she noticed her electric bill was really high.

Martinez said he had no power in his apartment, yet his refrigerator was cool and there were ice cubes in the freezer.

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Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/

[Associated Press]

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