Friday deadline nears for those using city's utilities illegally

By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

The deadline nears for those using the City of Ville Platte utilities illegally. Mayor Bill Jeanmard said the deadline to avoid prosecution is March 14, but you must bring in the water or gas meter you have been using or you must report the water or gas at your residence was already connected when you moved into the residence to avoid prosecution.

A joint investigation into the misuse of utilities has been ongoing between the Ville Platte Police Department and the City of Ville Platte. Police Chief Neal Lartigue said there were 11 or 12 names on a list, and five warrants have been secured at this time for theft of utilities. He said the marshal’s office will be serving those warrants.

“It’s a slow process,” Lartigue explained. He said residents are guilty of utility theft if they purchased a meter from someone or if they are living at a residence and utilizing the city’s utilities without paying for them. He urged residents, who suspect their neighbors of stealing utilities to contact the department at 363-1313. All callers will remain anonymous.

Recently Jeanmard explained utility theft is a crime and all violators will be prosecuted. He urged residents to turn themselves in at city hall if they were stealing utilities. He said if they have to find you, then they will prosecute.

The City of Ville Platte has changed some internal practices in an attempt to stop utility theft. They are working to locate those who are using the city’s utilities illegally.

“We will prosecute,” Jeanmard said.