Michael Philip Leonetti III, 45, of 152 South Ave., Jim Thorpe, has been arrested by borough police for theft of services and criminal mischief stemming from his illegal use of water after the borough had turned the water off at his residence for nonpayment of his bill.

Police said the water was turned off on Aug. 23, 2013, when water department employees installed a lock on the meter pit at the residence, preventing the valve from being opened.Police said on March 27 of this year, the meter showed usage, although the meter pit and lock remained intact when officials examined it.Workers then turned the water off at the curb, but on June 30, the meter showed usage again. Police said Vincent Yaich, water department supervisor, noticed the bottom half of the valve where the lock is secured was chiseled off, which allowed the valve to be turned on. Police said Yaich removed the meter from the home.Police said they were informed 39,000 gallons of water valued at $500 had been stolen. In addition, police said the borough incurred $245.31 in costs to replace the curb box and a three-quarter-inch meter setter valve, plus labor.Police said on July 25 of this year, Leonetti confessed to tampering with the utilities and using the water.