3 months ago
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Lee Lemarcus Harris, 24, is facing charges of criminal impersonation in the second degree, trespassing and resisting arrest after police caught him impersonating a meter reader last week.
After his arrest, authorities discovered Harris is a convicted sex offender who failed to register with local authorities.
It all started on the south side of Hope early Tuesday morning. A resident noticed a un-marked van with Texas plates, and he thought that was unusual.
The man inside the van was walking around the homes checking the electric meters. He had a clipboard and was wearing a work shirt. The man approached the suspect and when he did not produce the proper identification, he ended up calling police.
Administrators at Hope Water and Light told investigators they had no employees matching the suspect's description. Deputies then located Harris' van at a pair of trailers 7 miles south of Hope.
Chief Deputy James Singleton says, "So we requested the assistance of the Hope police department K-9 unit. They responded and sent the dog in, and the dog found him in the back of the mobile home. He was on top of a water heater in a small closet."
Authorities say Harris intended to steal a meter so he could turn his electricity back on. But considering Harris' criminal background of 18 arrests and a conviction on a sex charge, they are thankful for the diligence of a curious neighbor.
Chief Deputy Singleton says, "That's how we solve a lot of our crime is people reporting and seeing things, and not being afraid to become involved."
Police say it is not uncommon for criminals to dress as meter readers to case homes for burglaries or other crimes.
You need to know that all utility employees and even all police officers carry official photo identification that they are required to show if you ask to see it.
Lee Harris is still being held in the Hempstead County jail on a parole revocation out of Union County.
