DARLINGTON - Two Benton women were charged July 16 with fraudulent meter-tapping, criminal damage to property and theft for allegedly tampering with their residence's electrical meter and stealing electricity.

Elizabeth K. Davey, 25, and Amy M. Gregory, 27, damaged their meter and its socket and lock, all of which belong to the Village of Benton, and defrauded the village of electrical current by manipulating the meter without permission, court documents indicate.

According to police files, the village had previously shut off power and water to the residence due to unpaid utility bills. A neighbor who reportedly knew this contacted authorities June 20 after observing a light was on at the residence.

Police and village employees responded to the residence, located in the 100 block of County J. While walking around the house, they noticed a television was on, court records show.

Investigators then inspected the electrical meter and determined it had been tampered with and damaged in the process.

The village is reportedly seeking restitution for the damaged meter and parts, plus payment for overdue bills, before it will turn the electricity back on.

Davey and Gregory have initial appearances in Lafayette County Circuit Court Aug. 10.