Police say three arrested in theft ring

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Many power bills are on the rise. Some people blame it on the lingering freezing temperatures that hit our area last month.

Instead of paying for their power like everyone else, 21-year-old Marzetta Johnson, 25-year-old Michael Smith, and 62-year-old Nathan Coleman teamed up to elude bill collectors, and get power without paying a bill.

Johnson's power had been shut off previously, and when she still wasn't able to pay her bills anymore, she and her boyfriend, Michael Smith, bought a power meter from their neighbor Nathan Coleman.

When the power company realized Johnson was still receiving power, they teamed up with Mobile Police to find out how.

The investigation done by Mobile Police and authorities at Alabama Power lead them to the Cambridge West Apartment complex in Mobile, where all three of the people live.

"Once the officers got to the residence, they were able to come in, and they saw in plain view a power meter, of course only Alabama Power is licensed to carry around power meters," Mobile Police Officer Ron Wallace said.

Smith admitted to buying a stolen meter from Nathan Coleman. Smith and Coleman were charged with receiving stolen property.

All three were arrested and charged with theft. Police say Johnson also admitted stealing two debit cards to pay her power bills.

The manager at Cambridge West Apartments had no comments on her tenants.