Washington County residents are left in the dark due to a recent light bulb theft that has cost officials thousands of dollars.

Police in the area recently issued search warrants to investigate the home of the area's former maintenance supervisor, Chuck Moody. Detective Scott Parks told the Marietta Times that Moody bragged about receiving kick backs from "Sam the light bulb guy."

Samuel Seckman, head of Universal Products, sold the Washington County Courthouse $40,000 worth of energy efficient light bulbs, but most of them never made it to the courthouse. Out of 143 cases of light bulbs ordered only 38 cases were delivered.

The investigation continues, and Moody - whose resignation came at the end of October because of theft allegation - is not commenting on the situation

Washington County locals find the story humorous, with one commenting at Fox Parkersburg online that the thieves are "not too bright, are they?" Another joked, "How many Washington county officials does it take to change a light bulb? None, because there aren't any!"

In truth, this is no laughing matter. According to The Chic Ecologist, the availability of energy efficient light bulbs is still lagging with respect to demand. Strategies Unlimited projects that the energy efficient LED lighting market will reach $5 billion in 2012.