Keller

NEW PALTZ – Police in New Paltz have announced the arrest of a homeless teen, suspected in the commission of 20 break-ins at local commercial businesses. Only 11 were successful, the rest were attempts, police noted.

Adam Keller, 19, is in Ulster County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail after his arrest Saturday morning. He is accused of third-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, both felonies.

The charges stem from statements made by Keller during interviews, and evidence recovered. New Paltz Police investigators, assisted by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office and SUNY New Paltz Police, conducted a month-long hunt for the perpetrator.

Keller's alleged crime spree began on December 29 and continued until February 2.

“There was a lot of concern, a lot of talk, ‘what are the police doing,’ which is common in any investigation when something like this happens,” New Paltz Police Chief Joseph Snyder said. “We do put as much effort in as possible.” The chief said they work closely with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and SUNY New Paltz Police.

Snyder said Keller forced his way into area stores, and stole small amounts of cash. He would flee on foot, sometimes using the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to avoid being spotted. The incidents happened at night.

Dive teams recovered discarded cash registers associated with the burglaries at the bottom of the Wallkill River, in the vicinity of the rail trail bridge just north of town.

"Trust me, it's not an easy task, even if you like to dive," Snyder said.  "It wasn't a lot of cash; just a small amount each time.”

Cops attributed the motive to personal gain, but drugs were not thought to be involved.

"It appears opportunity was a big part of it," Snyder said.

Keller is charged with victimizing both town and village businesses.