Bishop arrested for illegal power

Bishop William Marshall at a vigil outside Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., on Thursday June 11, 2015. Bishop William Marshall at a vigil outside Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., on Thursday June 11, 2015. Photo: Christian Abraham /Hearst Connecticut Media File Photo: Christian Abraham /Hearst Connecticut Media File Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Bishop arrested for illegal power 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

BRIDGEPORT - The pastor had the power but not the money to pay for it, police said.

Bishop William Marshall, pastor of City of Life Worship and Deliverance Center and a member of the city’s fire commission, was arrested Wednesday morning and accused of stealing more than $8,000 in electricity from the United Illuminating Co.

He was picked up at his home on Sixth Street and charged with third-degree larceny.

Marshall, who was later released on a promise to appear in court, did not return calls for comment.

On Oct. 19, investigators for the United Illuminating Co. were out checking a meter at a building on Seaview Avenue where Marshall was operating Marshall Artz Barber Shop and Tattoo.

Police Detective Robert Martin said that although the power to the barbershop had been disconnected in 2013 for Marshall failing to pay an outstanding balance of more than $4,000 it appeared the meter was still running and electricity was still being delivered to the barbershop.

When UI investigators examined the electric meter Martin said they discovered it had been illegally reconnected allowing power to be restored to the barbershop but not registering the service on the meter.

Martin said investigators calculated the loss to UI from August 2013 at 33,782 kilowatt hours for a total of $8,191.86.

UI Spokesman Edward Crowder said they have a staff that is dedicated to detecting theft and fraud.

“Tampering with a meter is not just illegal but very dangerous to anyone who may come in contact with the equipment,” Crowder said.