Man accused of stealing utilities from MLGW

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was taken into custody on Sunday after police say he was caught stealing utilities from MLGW.

Jacquose Bonds, 53, is charged with theft of services $1,000-$2,500, destroying/interfering with a utility line, and cruelty to animals.

Just before 4 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a call from Memphis Light, Gas, and Water at a home in the 2700 block of McMurray Street.

Technicians were troubleshooting a power outage in the area when they noticed that a home was stealing electricity, water, and gas.

Reports say the electric service was connected with a jumper cable to the service line. Due to the wind, the energized line hit the neutral line, causing two transformers to blow.

Interference of power lines is a potential critical fire hazard for the residence and the surrounding homes, police say.

Due to the hazard, police searched the residence. Inside, officers found Jacquose Bonds and a malnourished dog living in a closet full of bodily waste.

Unfortunately this type of crime is not new to MLGW.

“I can tell you that MLGW investigates about 4,500 of these cases. It costs us about a million dollars a year in lost revenue,” said Ursula Madden with MLGW.

Stealing utilities is not only costly to MLGW, but to customers as well.

“It’s an unfortunate situation but the cost has to be absorbed somewhere, and it comes from the ratepayer,” said Madden.

Bonds is accused of stealing $1,500 in electricity, water, and gas. His bond has not been set.

MLGW customers can report suspected utility theft by calling the customer service line at 544-6549, calling the Revenue Protection team at 322-5741, or emailing the Revenue Protection team at revenueprotection@mlgw.org.

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