In what may be a sign of the times, a Clinton resident is accused of harboring 165 gallons of stolen diesel fuel at his home, court documents show.

Prosecutors charged 33-year-old Delan Christopherson in Island County Superior Court June 25 with possession of stolen property in the second degree.

Christopherson pleaded not guilty July 7.

Deputy Darren Crownover with the Island County Sheriff’s Office responded June 23 to a report from a contractor who was the victim of diesel theft. Someone took three barrels, each containing 55 gallons of fuel.

The victim reported that he found the purloined barrels at Christopherson’s home, the report states.

Crownover investigated and found the barrels sitting next to a diesel generator that powered the home, the deputy wrote. Crownover wrote that Christopherson hid in the woods, but he was able to catch the suspect by hiding and waiting for him to come home.

If convicted, Christopherson could face up to 90 days in jail.

You can reach News-Times reporter Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611.