A Minersville man is facing multiple criminal charges after police and borough officials discovered he had allegedly been illegally receiving water service at a property he owns, resulting in nearly $2,000 in unpaid utility costs.
Lance Haluska, 54, owner of a duplex located at 435-437 Pleasant Street, has been charged with theft of services, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property, following a police investigation into suspected utility theft.
On May 5, 2025, Officer Joseph Kavanaugh of the Minersville Police Department responded to a report from the borough office regarding possible unauthorized water usage at the Pleasant Street property. Upon arriving, Officer Kavanaugh observed multiple motorcycles parked outside the residence. A check with PennDOT revealed expired registrations on the vehicles, which were later towed.
While on scene, an occupant of the residence, identified as John Kamant, exited the building and claimed one of the motorcycles. He told police that he paid $800 to reside at the property and park his motorcycle there. When questioned, Kamant confirmed that the water was running inside the home.
Officer Kavanaugh requested to inspect the water service, but as the two approached the entrance, the door was abruptly shut and locked. The Minersville Borough Water Authority was then called to the scene. Upon inspection, water officials confirmed that the service to the property had been turned on, albeit partially, allowing a flow of water into the building.
According to borough records, the property’s water service had officially been shut off on July 7, 2023, due to nonpayment. Despite this, the property continued to receive water and sewer services, as well as sanitation services, for several months without payment.
The borough calculated the total loss from the unauthorized use of services to be $1,972.01. This includes unpaid water and sewer bills from 2023 to 2025, as well as a $35 shutoff fee and nearly $600 in sanitation charges.
Officials also noted that this is the second time such an incident has occurred at this property under Haluska’s ownership.