Johnson, VT – A Lamoille County man has been charged with theft of services following an investigation into electricity that authorities say was illegally re-energized at a Johnson residence.
According to the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, deputies first responded to a residence on Collins Hill Road on June 12. Deputies stood by while Vermont Electric Cooperative disconnected electrical service that authorities said had been illegally re-energized.
The sheriff’s department said deputies were called to a residence on Collins Hill Road again on July 22.
During that response, deputies once again remained at the location while Vermont Electric Cooperative disconnected power that investigators alleged had been illegally re-energized.
Following the investigation, authorities charged James Mason, 48, of Johnson with theft of services.
The sheriff’s department did not provide additional details about how investigators believe the electricity was reactivated, how long the residence allegedly received unauthorized service or the estimated value of the electricity involved.
Authorities also did not indicate in the announcement whether any additional charges are expected.
Mason is scheduled to appear in Lamoille County Superior Court at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Johnson is located in Lamoille County in north-central Vermont, east of the Burlington metropolitan area.
The charge is an allegation. Mason is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
