Alva Review-Courier -

A Cherokee man has been charged with a misdemeanor after attempting to get city water for free.

James Craig Patterson, 45, of Cherokee has been charged with a misdemeanor of tampering with utilities. This crime is punishable by imprisonment of not more than six months and/or a fine of not more than $1,000.

According to court papers, on May 2 about 10 a.m. Cherokee Police Officer Ryan McNeil took a complaint that the resident at 109 N. Ohio Ave. was stealing water from property located north of that location. Patterson, who is also known as “Chopper,” lives at that address.

McNeil was aware that Patterson has a previous conviction through the City of Cherokee Municipal Court for stealing water service.

McNeil went to the address and saw a green garden hose attached to a water spigot at 111 N. Ohio. He saw the spigot was turned on and the hose led to 109 N. Ohio into the back porch area and into the house under the back door.

The owner of 111 N. Ohio said he has told Patterson he is not to hook up a hose to the water spigot on his property. McNeil turned off the water, unhooked the hose and returned it to Patterson’s yard.