SYLVAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 33-year-old man from Belleville is facing multiple charges after reportedly breaking into a water treatment plant and pouring cement into the drains.
It happened Monday, July 8, in Sylvan Township, just west of Chelsea, near the Jackson County line. The incident led to officials urging residents to not drink the water.
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While there was no visual evidence the water was contaminated, authorities needed to run tests to confirm its safety and issued the advisory out of caution.
Officials issued an “All clear” notice to residents Wednesday, July 10 after water samples came back safe.
According to authorities, township officials arriving at the treatment plant discovered that someone had broken in, caused damage to its interior and tampered with the system controls. There was also evidence of attempts to damage local infrastructure.
Michigan State Police said the suspect gained entry by cutting through a barbed wire fence and spray painted over the windows to not be seen inside. He was taken into custody.
Police identified the man as Matthew Gary Tieppo. He was charged with breaking and entering a building with intent, trespass upon a key facility and malicious destruction of a building -- $1,000 to $20,000.
Tieppo’s bond was set at $25,000, cash/surety. His probable cause conference is scheduled for July 18.
