Nation: Power Play

A Florida utility is shocked

Theirs was a flourishing business, with some 130 clients in the greater Miami area, including motels, restaurants, neighborhood groceries, a printing shop and luxury homes. Juan Maristany 38 and Eugenic Acosta, 49, made monthly service visits, according to police, and offered attractive discounts for client referrals. They charged $50 for the initial house call and up to $20 a month thereafter for visits. Commercial customers, however, paid as much as $400 a month. Their alleged business: turning back electricity meters to reduce utility bills.

Acosta and Maristany are now facing trial after a caper at a waterfront Coral...

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