The maintenance manager for a Keizer retirement center has been accused of stealing jewelry from residents in the past year, according to the Keizer Police Department.
Justin M. Schmidtke, 48, of Salem, was accused of first-degree aggravated theft after his arrest at Emerald Pointe Senior Living Community.
Lt. Chris Nelson said that police have identified 14 victims who lost jewelry valued at more than $16,000. He said police recovered some of the property from his home.
According to a police affidavit, Schmidtke had worked at Emerald Point since December 2023 and had master keys that allowed him access to all 144 apartments at the complex.
Jeff Hawkins, Emerald Pointe manager, said that when a resident suspects a theft, the staff recommends they call the Keizer police.
Regarding the current investigation, “We are fully cooperating with the police department,” Hawkins said.
The complex is in north Keizer, off River Road on Northeast McGee Court.
Police said a worker at Emerald Pointe lost a bag of pop cans she was storing for her son’s fundraiser. The worker then caught Schmidtke taking more cans, the affidavit said.
On Sept. 12, another worker contacted Keizer police, reporting there had been at least 17 thefts at Emerald Pointe in the past year, the affidavit said. At least four of the thefts had been reported earlier to police.
Officer Ben Howden said in his affidavit that he tracked some of the stolen items to pawn shops. He said pawn records showed that Schmidtke had been paid $3,537 in 13 transactions.
“Pawn brokers often acquire items at a price significantly below market value to ensure profitability,” he wrote in his affidavit.
Keizer police asked that anyone with information related to the thefts contact Howden through the department at 503-390-3713.
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