By John Ball, Madison County Undersheriff
(Wamsville, NY – Nov. 3, 2013) A nearly month-long investigation by Madison County Sheriff’s and NYS Police Investigators culminated when undercover Sheriff’s Investigators observed, then brought into custody, two suspects on Monday, Oct. 28.
Since the beginning of October, several burglaries were reported to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police. The burglaries were occurring in the Town of Fenner during the daytime hours. Several items were taken from the residences including an antique rifle, flat screen TV, computers, gaming systems, DVD’s, jewelry and cash.
As a result of the string of burglaries, members of the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division conducted a concentrated investigation, which included targeted surveillance in the area.
During the morning hours of Oct. 28 an undercover Sheriff’s Investigator observed a vehicle matching the description that had been provided by victims as possibly used in the commission of these burglaries in the driveway of a residence on Oxbow Road in the Town of Fenner. One female was observed in the passenger seat of the vehicle by the Investigator. A male subject ran from behind the residence and entered the driver’s seat of vehicle, then drove the vehicle around the investigator’s vehicle and fled northbound on Oxbow Road.
The Investigator pursued the vehicle and stopped the Keith Garrison vehicle about three-quarter miles from the residence.
The male and female were apprehended by the Investigator and taken into custody.
The male driver was identified as Keith R. Garrison, 33, of Cazenovia and the female passenger identified as Brittaney J. Mayer, 25, of Remsen.
The residence was then searched by members of the Sheriff’s Office and it was discovered that the home had been burglarized. The suspect vehicle was also searched later, after Investigators secured a search warrant.
Garrison and Mayer were both charged with second-degree Burglary, a class C Felony, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, a class A Misdemeanor and fourth-degree Criminal Mischief, a class A Misdemeanor.
Mayer and Garrison were both arraigned before a Town of Lincoln Judge. Mayer was remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond and Garrison was remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
Both Garrsion and Mayer are still facing other charges for other burglaries that occurred in the Town of Fenner.
Sheriff’s Investigators were assisted by members of the NY State Police and Canastota Police Department.
Investigators state that both suspects have been generally cooperative since their arrests.
Investigators are currently attempting to locate and recover the stolen property.
Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley praised the collaborative and quick efforts of Investigators, and is seeking the public’s vigilance to this issue and to be attentive to securing homes and businesses, at all times, including the use of door and window locks, alarm systems activated (if installed), securing of valuables in a locked safe or off premise in a safety deposit box at your local financial institution.
Outdoor equipment should be kept locked in a garage or shed if not in use.
If you are leaving the area for an extended period of time, you can notify the Office of the Madison County Sheriff through their website (www.madisoncountysheriff.org) and click on “Property Check Request” – Sheriff’s patrol will do cursory checks on your property during your absence.
Anyone observing any suspicious activity or has information on any of the burglaries, you are asked to contact Sheriff’s Investigators at (315) 366-2429.
“Trust your feeling,” said Sheriff Riley. “If you see suspicious activity, report it to your local law enforcement agency immediately by dialing 911.”