Press Release  Former Laundromat Owner Found Guilty of Tampering with Gas Meters at His Businesses, Stealing $200,000 from Gas Companies

Worcester — The former owner of multiple laundromats has been found guilty of stealing approximately $200,000 from gas companies by tampering with gas meters at six of his businesses in Massachusetts, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

Steven R. Bankert, age 60, of North Attleboro, was found guilty today following a jury trial in Worcester Superior Court on the charges of Larceny over $250 (6 counts), and Willful Injury or Interference with Gas Meter or Other Property (10 counts). Judge Richard Tucker presided over the trial.

Bankert is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6.

The AG’s Office began an investigation in August 2011 after Columbia Gas filed a complaint with the office. The company suspected tampering and theft of gas by Bankert after they detected low and erratic consumption patterns. The AG’s investigation determined that from 2008 to 2012, Bankert, a formerly licensed electrician, tampered with 10 gas meters at six laundromats he owned in Attleboro, Brockton, Lawrence and Worcester for the purpose of stealing natural gas.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Kristy Lavigne and Gabriel Thornton of AG Healey’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division, with assistance from Victim Witness Advocate Megan Murphy and Financial Investigator Jill Petruzziello.

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