"Bob F" wrote in message
...
Home Guy wrote:
What gets me is that the AP feels some sort of idiosyncratic need to
report that this guy was "allegedly" trying to steal copper wire.

Would it kill them to NOT use the word "allegedly" in their reporting?

Could it be more obvious that he was absolutely trying to steal copper
wire?



You're right it would not kill them to leave out the word allegedly. But
the problem is this. Who then decides and on what criteria to leave the
word out and accuse the guy of stealing? If they come to the wrong
conclusion, they will be accuse of false reporting and potentially open
to a lawsuit. I can see it taking a lot more time and money for the paper
than it's worth. I would not want to
be the guy deciding when to leave the word out.





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http://www.wafb.com/story/15201683/m...tealing-wiring

Man electrocuted while allegedly stealing wiring
Posted: Aug 03, 2011 11:33 AM EDT Updated: Aug 03, 2011 11:33 AM EDT

HOUMA, LA (AP) -

A 34-year-old man was electrocuted while allegedly breaking in to
steal copper wiring.

According to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, electric company
workers found the body of Timothy Lewis of Houma after getting a call
early Wednesday about lost power.

Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Houma newspaper reported Lewis broke through a fence at a substation
there and was killed when he cut a ground line with a pair of wire
cutters.

The death was still being investigated, though no foul play is
suspected.

Sounds like foul play to me.