Three individuals have been arrested in connection to theft of services, according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

“Justin Eric Stapler, 29, of Rainbow City, Sandra Williams Johnson, 54, and Barry Lee Payne, 27, both of Gadsden, were each charged with one count of third degree theft of services,” investigator Adam Chapman said.

The trio allegedly manipulated a locked water meter, at a residence on McClain Avenue, to allow water to flow to the house.  The theft of services occurred after the Northeast Etowah Water Co-op placed a lock on the valve turning the water off to the residence.

Johnson and Payne were booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and later released on $1,500 bond. 

Stapler is currently being detained in the Detention on $1,500 bond for the theft of services. He also faces additional charges from another agency.