A Glenoma man is facing a felony malicious mischief charge in Lewis County Superior Court for allegedly tipping over a portable toilet owned by the Lewis County Public Utility District (PUD) in December.
The damaged portable toilet was discovered off of Champion Haul Road near Glenoma on Monday, Dec. 16, with PUD officials suspecting the damage occurred over the weekend.
“The porta-potty was damaged and no longer usable,” the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office stated in an affidavit of probable cause filed in Lewis County Superior Court on Feb. 26.
The cost to replace the portable toilet was estimated at $1,000, according to the PUD.
The portable-toilet was found on its side with damage to its front and top, next to “miscellaneous pieces of mail” addressed to Ethan Chenoweth, 19.
When contacted by a deputy, Chenowith reportedly “said he had no idea how his mail got there,” according to court documents.
The deputy then reportedly “asked Ethan what he thought the game camera footage from the Lewis County PUD would show,” noting in his report that “the mention of a game camera was a ruse. No camera was posted,” according to court documents.
After the deputy mentioned a camera, Chenoweth allegedly “then said he did hit the porta-potty with his truck and thought it was funny but he did not mean to leave his mail on the ground,” according to court documents.
Chenoweth was charged Feb. 24 with one count of second-degree malicious mischief and was issued a summons notice for a March 5 preliminary hearing, which he was present for.
All parties agreed Wednesday to allow Chenoweth to remain out of custody on his own personal recognizance for the duration of his case.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, March 15.
