CORDOVA, N.C. — Eric John Clark, 48, has been arrested and now faces more than a dozen felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly stealing municipal water, months after his alleged accomplice was taken into custody.
According to authorities, Clark is accused of stealing two water meters from Richmond County and one from the City of Rockingham, and then illegally reconnecting water service to a residence on Gattis Street, which had been disconnected in October 2024.
Investigators say Clark conspired with Curtis Daniel Hicks, who was arrested in late December, shortly after warrants were issued for both men in early December. Clark remained at large until his April 30 arrest.
Clark is charged with:
1 felony count of conspiracy
1 felony count of obtaining property by false pretenses
3 misdemeanor counts each of:
Reconnecting a utility
Larceny
Possession of stolen goods or property
Injury to personal property
The case highlights growing concerns over utility theft and fraud in the region.
