EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 42-year-old Fabens man has been arrested after he allegedly tampered with water meters at two homes, trying to avoid paying for service, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said.
Andres Varela, 42, of Fabens was arrested on Friday, July 25 and charged with criminal mischief–impairment of a public service and theft.
Andres Varela Courtesy of El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
On June 24, deputies from the Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 700 block of Avo Street in Fabens, following a theft report.
Deputies discovered that the homeowner had tampered with a Fabens Water District meter, disrupting service and causing inaccurate usage readings, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A second, similar incident was reported on July 2 at a residence on the 300 block of NW H Street in Fabens.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division launched an investigation and determined that the same person had bypassed water meters at both properties, trying to avoid paying for services.
Varela was identifed as the suspect. He was taken into custody on Friday and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a total bond of $15,000, the Sheriff’s Office said.
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