Electrician Charged With Stealing Electricity
Thursday, Jan 29, 2009 | Updated 9:30 AM EST
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An electrician got caught stealing more than $10,000 in electricity by bypassing the meter in his house.
Derby police say an electrical contractor used his expertise for no good.
Forty-five-year-old Andrew Natale, who lives in town, has been charged with larceny for allegedly bypassing his home's electricity meter and stealing about $13,500 worth of power dating back to 2003.
Natale posted $2,000 bail and is set to be arraigned Monday in Derby Superior Court. A message was left for Natale at his home Thursday morning.
Authorities say the arrest was the result of an investigation by police and the United Illuminating Co. They say a field worker discovered the problem.
UI spokesman Al Carbone says the illegal bypass was disconnected and reinstalled periodically. He says bypassing meters is dangerous and could cause electrocution or a fire.
