Pair arrested for string of thefts in Kent Co.

Keiser (left) and Jackson

KENT CO., Del. – Delaware State Police have arrested a pair in connection to a string of thefts throughout Kent County.

The investigation into the reported thefts began last month. In each of the incidents, unknown suspects had allegedly trespassed onto various properties and stole landscape trailers and property.

Through the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect vehicle as a light-colored Toyota 4-Runner, and one of the suspects as 40-year-old Ronald Keiser. On March 25th, detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Hartly, where they recovered a stolen John Deere zero turn lawnmower. Keiser was subsequently arrested.

Further investigation led police to identify the second suspect as 39-year-old Joseph Jackson. A search warrant at the same property led to the recovery of reported and unreported stolen property, including landscape trailers and a stolen Kia Sorento.

Keiser was first released on a $3,100 unsecured bond following his arrest on March 25th, and on April 1st, he was charged with additional offenses and released on a $31,400 unsecured bond. He was charged with four counts of theft of a motor vehicle, four counts of theft $1500 or greater, theft under $1500 victim is over 62, receiving stolen property over $1500, seven counts of second degree conspiracy, selling stolen property under $1500, criminal mischief under $1000, second degree criminal trespass, and four coutns of third degree criminal trespass.

Jackson was arrested on March 31st and charged with three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of theft $1500 or greater, theft under $1500 victim is over 62, seven counts of second degree conspiracy, theft under $1500, second degree criminal trespass, and four counts of third degree criminal trespass. He was released on his own recognizance.