UNION TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Jefferson County man is facing felony charges after he reportedly shut off natural gas service to four homes during a contractual payment dispute in Union Township.
According to the court records, Pennsylvania State Police at Punxsutawney charged 41-year-old Clinton Brady Stout, of Corsica, with the following offenses on March 2:
- Risking Catastrophe, Felony 3
- Criminal Mischief — Tamper, Felony 3
- Criminal Mischief — Deception/Threat, Felony 3
- Diversion of Services, Felony 3
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
A criminal complaint stated that the incident occurred on January 8 at a gas line metering station on McGill Road. According to the complaint, an individual intentionally closed a gas line shutoff valve approximately one quarter mile south of Monrean Road. The shutoff interrupted natural gas distribution to four residences serviced by Sigel Gas, LLC, depriving those customers of gas service and heat, the complaint stated.
The owner of the gas company told police that he found a company lock had been cut and removed from the valve. A different lock that did not belong to the company was placed on the valve while it was in the closed position, according to the affidavit…