§ 6–304
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-304 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “gas company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)
(1)
A person may not wrongfully and maliciously damage, connect, disconnect, tap, or interfere or tamper with material, equipment, or facilities of a gas company.
(2)
A person may not intentionally damage or defraud a gas company by:
(i)
bypassing a meter provided for registering the gas consumed;
(ii)
willfully tampering with, damaging, or preventing the action of a meter to register gas; or
(iii)
causing or procuring a meter to be damaged or altered.
(c)
Prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the person who would directly benefit from the use of the gas passing through the meter includes:
(1)
a device that allows the use of gas supplied by a gas company without the gas being registered on a meter provided by the gas company; and
(2)
damage or alteration to a meter so as to prevent the action of the meter.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $250 or both.