R. v. X.X. – 2261
Allegation:
X.X. was charged with multiple property-related offences following a utility investigation near Medicine Hat. The Crown alleged that he tampered with locked natural gas meters at his residence, cut utility locks, and restored service without authorization from the provider. The allegations included claims that gas services had been disconnected for non-payment, and that X.X. bypassed safety protocols and unlawfully resumed usage. Officers with the Maidstone RCMP were brought in after the utility company documented two separate unauthorized reactivations of gas service.
X.X. was charged under both provincial and federal legislation, including:
- Tampering with a utility service under s. 54 of the SaskEnergy Act
- Theft under $5,000 under s. 322(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Mischief under s. 430(4) of the Criminal Code
These types of charges—though non-violent—are treated seriously in Alberta and Saskatchewan due to public safety concerns and the risk of fire or explosion from improper gas use. If convicted, penalties can include fines, restitution orders, or even jail, especially where repeat tampering or disregard for safety is alleged.
Result:
Devlin Gavigan was retained and identified early procedural and evidentiary issues. The Crown ultimately withdrew all charges, ending the case before trial and avoiding any criminal record for X.X.