Steven Nicky Baird, a 45-year-old man from Alva, has been charged with tampering with utilities after he admitted to installing a connection device in place of a water meter. Baird claimed he did so because the water department wouldn’t provide him with a meter. He now faces up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £1,000. Alva Review-Courier reported
Water Meter Theft Discovered in Alva Residence
During the routine water meter reading on November 30th, a significant issue was detected in the 200 block of Barnes Street in Alva. The residential property was connected to the water supply, but shockingly, it was found that there was no water meter installed.
Upon being informed about the suspected theft of utilities, Alva Fire Chief and Fire Marshal, Bryan Miller, was called to the scene. He promptly met with the Director and Assistant Director of Public Works to discuss the matter. They informed Miller that while reading the water meters, they had noticed a non-standard hard-piped connection in the water meter box. Concerned, Miller inquired about the status of the water account for the residence, to which they revealed that it was currently on hold.
Miller decided to approach the residence and knocked on the door. A man named Steven Baird answered the door and agreed to have a conversation with Miller on the porch. Miller explained the purpose of their visit, specifically addressing the removal of the water meter and the apparent theft of utilities through the use of an unauthorized extension device.
Baird provided an explanation, stating that the water department had visited but declined to provide him with a meter due to their unavailability. Curious, Miller asked Baird about the person responsible for installing the connecting device, to which Baird admitted, “I did.” Furthermore, when asked how long ago he had made the connection, Baird revealed that it had been approximately a month and a half ago. When requested to present his identification, Baird claimed he did not have it with him but provided his name and date of birth from his home state of Missouri.
To verify the information provided by Baird, Miller contacted Woods County Dispatch, requesting a background check. He also requested the assistance of an additional police unit to join him at the location.
Once Police Chief Ben Orcutt and Assistant Chief Patrick Hawley arrived, Miller briefed them on the situation. Hawley activated his body camera, and they proceeded to have another conversation with Baird. Hawley inquired once again about the individual who had installed the connection in place of the water meter, and Baird admitted once more that he was responsible. When asked about the timing of this installation, Baird reiterated that it had been around a month and a half ago.
Following these discussions, Baird was informed that he was being arrested for the theft of utilities. As a courtesy, he was permitted to make a phone call to his mother to make arrangements for his dog. Subsequently, Lieutenant Ron Vasquez handcuffed Baird and transported him to the Woods County Sheriff’s Office.
Steven Nicky Baird, a 45-year-old Alva resident, has been charged with tampering with utilities, which is considered a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
.