A Minersville property owner is facing theft of services charges after police discovered that water service was functional at a home but had been shut off by the borough back in 2023.
According to a complaint filed by Minersville Police, Lance Haluska, of Branchdale, owns a property on Pleasant St. in the borough. On May 5, an officer showed up at the property responding to a report from the Borough regarding possible theft of water service.
At the property, police say they knocked and got no answer. They noticed a motorcycle parked outside with an expired registration plate which traced back to that address. Police say they called to have the motorcycle towed. As it was being towed, the resident inside then emerged and said it was his bike.
The resident reportedly confirmed that he lived at that Pleasant St. address and paid $800 a month to live there and park his motorcycle.
Police say they then asked if water service was active inside the residence. At that point, the resident slammed the door in the officer’s face and locked the door.
Minersville’s Water Authority was then called to confirm if water service was supposed to be on or off. Employees from the Water Authority showed up at the Pleasant St. address and confirmed that water was on but just slightly.
Further investigation revealed that a work order was in place since July 7, 2023, to shut off water service to the property.
Police say this is the second time a similar situation happened at this specific address. Haluska allegedly owes the borough more than $1,972 for services he received since 2023, including water, sewer, and sanitation.
Charges against Haluska have been filed before District Magistrate Judge David Plachko.
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