By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
KEESEVILLE — Two former Keeseville residents have admitting to ransacking a home within 48 hours of when it was heavily damaged by fire.
As Roger Moore’s family coped with the loss of their home in mid-July, their neighbors, Nikki McLean, 31, and Brian Blackey, 32, broke into the Moores’ basement and took the few remaining salvageable possessions in the residence.
The belongings, including power tools and jewelry, were worth about $2,000.
At the time of the couple’s arrest, State Police said, the Moores had planned to retrieve the items when their home was deemed safe for inspection.
McLean and Blackey, who had watched the home burn, were later charged with second-degree burglary for the theft.
Recently, they returned to Clinton County Court and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of third-degree burglary.
In exchange, McLean, now of Schuyler Falls, was sentenced to time served, five years probation, 100 hours of community service and restitution.
Her accomplice was ordered to six months in jail and five years of intense-supervision probation.
Blackey, of Plattsburgh, must also complete 200 hours of community service and pay a surcharge.
The Moores’ home was a total loss after the July 16 fire.
E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:
avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com
