A Coaldale man has been charged with theft of services after he repeatedly tampered with the shut-off valve controlling water flow to his home.

Coaldale Police were contacted by the municipal water authority about service to a home at 234 First St., Coaldale. The authority had the water shut off due to nonpayment. Several times, workers found the water turned back on and shut it off again.On Jan. 19, the authority decided to press charges against Walter James Deetz, 45, the man responsible for turning the water valve. Deetz had been warned of possible criminal charges in 2015.The amount owed for service was determined to be $598.40.