News Briefs: Former Water Manager Accused of Stealing Federal Water for 23 Years in California

The Los Angeles Times reports that the former manager of the Panoche Water District in Central Valley, California, is charged with stealing more than $25 million of water over 23 years. The indictment charges the now 75-year-old with conspiracy, theft of government property and filing false tax returns.The theft involved making use of a leaking drain turnout that had been abandoned by the federal government. The former manager, instead of repairing the gate that allowed water to leak into the Panoche Water District, allegedly directed the installation of an open/close gate and a pipe to convey water into the district’s canal.The