LAGRANGE - A utility employee in LaGrange is accused of stealing from the rich to help heat the poor. <br>
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A public utilities employee -- 34-year-old Cassandra Dickerson -- turned herself in to police Tuesday after being accused of stealing $3,000 from the utility department. But investigators say Dickerson kept none of the money. <br>
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Instead, Dickerson is accused of using utility payments made by businesses to help individuals who were either behind on payments or in need of a deposit so utilities could be connected. She faces felony theft charges. <br>
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LaGrange city manager Tom Hall says she felt sorry for people who could not afford to keep warm. <br>
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A utility department manager discovered the thefts when a local Krystal restaurant reported its utility payment was not credited to its account. <br>
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Police say Dickerson has acknowledged shifting the money.
