Two Hartly Residents Charged in Farm Break-Ins That Caused $80K in Damage

Delaware State Police have charged two Hartly residents with multiple felonies after they allegedly broke into farm buildings in Harrington twice, stealing equipment and causing $80,000 in damage. The suspects were caught after investigators found the victim's stolen ATV being sold on social media.

Delaware State Police have taken into custody two Hartly residents facing multiple felony charges after allegedly breaking into farm buildings in Harrington on two separate occasions.

Authorities arrested **Ronald Keiser**, 41, and **Heather Crane**, 42, following an investigation into burglaries that resulted in significant property damage and theft at a Woodyard Road farm.

The first incident occurred on November 17, 2025, when officers were called to the 3000 block of Woodyard Road after a break-in was reported. According to investigators, intruders had broken into farm buildings including a barn and chicken coop, where they removed copper wiring and took other equipment. The damage totaled roughly $80,000 before the thieves escaped.

Four months later, on March 14, 2026, law enforcement returned to the same farm for another burglary report. This time, investigators found that thieves had again targeted a barn, making off with various property including an all-terrain vehicle. The case took a turn when the farm owner spotted their missing ATV advertised for sale on a social media platform just days after the theft.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit assumed control of the investigation. Detectives’ work led them to identify Keiser and Crane as the individuals attempting to sell the stolen ATV, prompting them to secure a search warrant for the pair’s Hartly home.

Law enforcement executed the warrant on March 20, 2026, apprehending both suspects without resistance. The search yielded multiple items that belonged to the farm owner. Additional investigation work connected Crane to the November break-in as well.

Following her arrest, Crane was processed at Troop 3 and hit with several charges before appearing before Justice of the Peace Court 2. She was released on her own recognizance after being charged with:

• Burglary Third Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
• Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony)
• Theft Under $1500 Where a Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or more (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Keiser was also processed at Troop 3 and appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 2 before being released on his own recognizance. His charges include:

• Receive or Transfer a Stolen Vehicle (Felony)
• Burglary Third Degree (Felony)
• Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Under $1000