CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into a utilities theft operation after Duke Energy investigators reported evidence of unmetered power use and equipment tampering at several locations near Charlotte Motor Speedway.
According to the sheriff’s office, Duke Energy contacted investigators on May 27 after discovering signs of illegal power consumption.
Thursday evening, deputies and Duke Energy crews were gathered as part of a widening investigation centered on 65‑year‑old Edward Jerome Little.
Little is being held on bond and faces charges including obtaining property by false pretense, money laundering, and additional offenses.
Investigators said the case revolves around the Ver‑El RV Park and a nearby home that tax records show Little owns.
According to court documents, Little is accused of using Duke Energy equipment to divert power to his home and the RV park illegally.
The value of the stolen electricity is estimated at more than $591,000. Records also show Little formerly worked for Duke Energy.
He is additionally accused of knowingly damaging a Duke Energy facility on Morehead Road in Concord and laundering more than $100,000.
A second man, 55-year-old Michael Keith Kluttz, has also been arrested in connection with this case. Records show Kluttz also previously worked for Duke Energy.
Kluttz has been charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense of $100,000 or more and money laundering. He is also facing an additional felony charge listed as “free text,” according to court documents.
All charges are currently marked as pending trial.
On Friday, a judge lowered both of their bonds. Little’s bond decreased from $1 million to $600,000, and Kluttz’s bond dropped from $750,000 to $300,000. Both of the men have to turn over their passports.
By Friday afternoon, both men had bonded out of jail.
One man who lives in the area told Channel 9 he was shocked by the allegations, saying Little and his family have always seemed like good people.
Duke Energy released a statement saying, in part:
“Tampering with utility equipment has the potential to create serious public safety risks. Duke Energy is committed to maintaining the safety of the communities and their residents that it serves.”
No additional details have been released, and officials say the case is still active.
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