By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post
A Chadron man has been arrested on water and sewer theft. Two other Chadron residents were issued citations for theft.
On Wednesday, Jan. 13 the Chadron Police Department became involved in an investigation of suspected water and sewer theft at a local residence.
The alleged theft of city services occurred approximately 18 months after the initial services were disconnected.
CPD served a search warrant on Friday, Jan. 22.
"Officers discovered that the water was on inside the house after city officials found that the water had been turned back on by tenants or owners of the property the prior week," said Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief. "City officials determined that by use of a device, the property owner or tenant turned the water back on without consent of the city multiple times over the 18 month period."
Lordino also stated a city water meter, two metal tools used to turn water values and drug paraphernalia were seized during the search warrants.
Officers arrested 40 year-old Charles R. Canaday Jr. on two outstanding arrest warrants.
Bond for Charles R. Canaday was set at 10% of $250,000 on a fugitive from justice warrant. No bond was set due to a violation of probation with possession of a controlled substance.
"Canaday was transported to the Dawes County Jail for booking and lodging," Lordino added. "Charges for Canaday are pending for theft of utility services and possession of a controlled substance."
Citations were also issued to 33 year-old Del C. Canaday and 30 year-old Gage W. Canaday, both of Chadron, for theft of utility services (Class III Misdemeanor).
The Chadron Police Department was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, WING Drug Task Force and the City of Chadron Water Department.