BENSON – A Smithfield man is accused of stealing water from the Town of Benson.
Jose Federico Saucedo Jr., 35, of US 70 Business, Smithfield was arrested July 22 and charged with reconnecting a utility meter and injury to property.
On Juy 2, utility officials with the Town of Benson reported a utility meter disconnected on January 18 for non-payment was reinspected on July 1. During the reinspection, town officials said the lock and had been cut and water turned back on to the home on US 301 South.
The home was just outside the Benson city limits and a complaint was filed with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
Following an investigation, Saucedo was arrested and charged with the two misdemeanor offenses. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
Town officials allege he illegally obtained $47.87 in water usage at the US 301 address, and damaged a lock on the meter valued at $10.
All that for $47.87?!? I wish I would go to jail for that little amount. H*ll you coulda just paid your bill but now look at ya, looking stupid in jail
Ao he gets a 1,500$ bond for stealing 47$ worth of water yet people with drug chargers, child abuse, animal cruelty ect get lower bail or ror? Make it make sense. The town is stealing enough from the people leave that man alone & let him pay the d@mn 47$.
He went 7 months without paying it. He chose to steal instead. The $1500 fine is justified.
It’s not a 1500 fine its a 1500 bail 🙄
I would have gladly helped them pay for a $50 electric bill or whatever they owed to begin with…well within a reasonable amount….not thousands though..