Steve Khemlani pleaded not guilty to charges of abstracting electricity when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

According to reports, On March 12, 2007, Charles Hendricks, a technician employed to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) along with other technicians assigned to the Revenue Protection Department (RPD) and police officers attached to the Half-Way Tree Police Station visited Khemlani Mart, in Tropical Plaza, along Constant Spring Road.

Upon entering the premises, Mr. Hendricks identified himself and was greeted by Anthony Pereira, the manager of the store.

It was further reported that upon investigation by the technician, it was found that there was no meter or metering device attached to the wires that formed a complete circuit. The inspected wires were connected to appliances in the store, thus providing the premises with electricity.

In addition, the technician also found out that those wires were connected to JPS's secondary lines.

Mr. Hendricks subsequently made checks with his office and was advised that there was no contract to supply the premises with electricity.

360 spot lamps, two fans, one refrigerator, two air conditioning units and a computer were said to be the appliances connected to the illegal wiring. The appliances together consume $166,860 per month worth of electricity.

A mention date of May 17 was set for the matter.