BANGOR, Maine — A local man was sentenced Tuesday at the Penobscot Judicial Center to nine years in prison with all but five years suspended for a series of residential burglaries last summer that victims said robbed them of their sense of security and left them feeling violated.
Nelson B. Keyser, 25, of Bangor admitted earlier this year that he broke into eight homes in the city during August and September 2015 by prying open windows or removing air conditioning units on Howard, Harvard and Essex streets. He stole more than $25,000 dollars worth of jewelry and electronics while out on a deferred disposition for burglary of a locked motor vehicle, forgery and other charges.
A majority of the stolen items were not recovered, Susan Pope, assistant district attorney for Penobscot County, said Tuesday. Most were pawned by Keyser’s girlfriend and co-defendant Lindsay K. Pelkey, 24, of Bangor. The money was used to buy drugs, Pope said.
Half of the victims spoke at Keyser’s sentencing either in person or in writing to Superior Court Justice William Anderson and Keyser about the impact the daytime burglaries, thefts and the inability to recover items of sentimental value has had on them.
An elderly woman victim said that her husband died late last year and the break-in “almost sent me over the edge.” She asked the judge “to throw the book at him and her.”
Another said she purchased her home at the end of a “troubled marriage” and found sanctuary there.
“I no longer feel safe or secure in my own home,” she said.
The victim also said that she had kept important papers, including birth certificates, car titles and other documents, in a lockbox Keyser stole that had no monetary value but were difficult for the victim to replace.
“I am angry and sad because you have no idea the sentimental value the items stolen had for me,” another victim said. “They were worth far more to me than you got for them.”
One of the items that wasn’t recovered was an old cellphone she had kept because it contained the last conversation she had with friends who are now dead.
“Your substance abuse problems do not justify your choices,” she told Keyser.
He agreed and apologized to his victims.
“I sincerely apologize to the victims,” he said. “I’m truly sorry for my actions. I wish I could give you a better apology. I’ve hurt a lot of people in ways I can never make up. I pray the victims, my community, my friends and my family can forgive me for what I’ve done.”
Keyser was indicted by the Penobscot County grand jury in December 2015 on nine counts of burglary, 10 counts each of theft by unauthorized taking and violating the conditions of his release from a prior arrest and one count of theft by deception.
One count each of burglary and theft involving a break-in at a garage were dismissed Tuesday. Keyser, who had a limited criminal history, pleaded guilty to the rest.
In addition to prison time, Anderson sentenced Keyser to six years of probation. The judge also ordered Keyser to pay about $17,000 in restitution to victims to repay what was not covered by insurance or the deductible required under their homeowners’ policies.
Keyser had been held without bail at the Penobscot County Jail for 10 months, defense attorney William Bart of Bangor told the judge. That time will be applied to his sentence.
Pelkey was sentenced to a year in prison with all but 60 days suspended on July 12 for her role in the break-ins and thefts. She pleaded guilty to one Class C crime, a felony, and one Class D crime, a misdemeanor.
She also was ordered to pay $1,650 in restitution and began serving her sentence immediately.
Keyser faced up to 10 years in prison on the burglary charges and the most serious theft charges and a fine of up to $20,000.
Pelkey faced up to five years in prison and a fine of up $5,000.