Police charge landlord following dispute

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PROSPECT — Police arrested a landlord in town who is accused of turning off the utilities of an elderly tenant.

Martin Rutt, 61, of 108 Cook Road, Prospect, was arrested on a warrant Nov. 30 following an investigation into a landlord and tenant dispute. Police said Rutt entered the home of his tenant, an 80-year-old woman, without her permission when she wasn’t home. He turned off several water valves, disconnected the cable and phone, shut off the propane supply, and locked the cover to the propane tank, police said, leaving the woman without water and heat.

Rutt was charged with third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal trespass, third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. He was released on a $25,000 bond and given court date of Dec. 14.