Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A man charged in connection with a break-in and damage at a water treatment plant that prompted an advisory in western Washtenaw County, near Chelsea is heading to trial.

33-year-old Matthew Gary Tieppo of Belleville is charged with three felony counts – breaking and entering a building with intent, trespassing, and malicious destruction of a building $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.

A security breach at the Sylvan Township water treatment plant was discovered the morning of July 8th and Tieppo was arrested. Damage was done to the interior including tampering of the control system.

Tieppo allegedly gained entry onto the property by cutting through a barbed wire fence. Upon entering the plant, police said he spray-painted the windows and created a makeshift bed from items in the building.

A “do not drink water” advisory was issued as a precaution, and was lifted after samples collected met state water quality standards.

Tieppo is due back in court for a pre-trial October 22nd. He remains jailed on a $25,000 cash/surety bond.