FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Four people are accused of stealing more than $1,800 worth of tools and other property from a building in Fayette County earlier this year.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Fayette County, David Adkins, Donald Scalise, Melissa Keeney, and Patsy Keeney are accused of breaking into a building in the Cannelton area and stealing several items.
The complaint states that on March 5, 2026, law enforcement responded to a reported theft at the Cannelton Trailer Park.
The property owner reported that several items had been stolen from a building outside their residence. The missing property included a DeWalt tool set, air conditioner, air compressor, Cricut machine, Dremel tool, screwdrivers, work light, shovels, and Kobalt tools.
The total estimated value of the stolen property was approximately $1,810.
During the investigation, officers learned that Adkins had allegedly attempted to sell some of the stolen tools to individuals in the area.
Investigators also learned that an air compressor believed to have been stolen from the building had been taken to Adkins’ residence before being picked up by Scalise.
The air compressor was eventually turned over to law enforcement and returned to its owner.
According to the complaint, investigators interviewed Patsy Keeney on April 9. She initially denied knowing anything about the incident but later acknowledged being in the area with her daughter, Melissa Keeney, Adkins, and Scalise.
Patsy Keeney told investigators she was over a hill from the building and could not see who entered it. She also stated that she later received a lamp from either Adkins or Melissa Keeney that she believed had come from the building.
During a separate interview on April 9, Scalise denied involvement in the alleged breaking and entering or theft.
On April 16, investigators conducted a recorded interview with Adkins.
According to the complaint, Adkins initially claimed he encountered the other individuals carrying items and was asked to help transport them.
However, he later admitted that he went to the building and helped remove property.
Adkins allegedly told investigators that Scalise and Melissa Keeney were inside the building while Patsy Keeney was near the steps.
He also stated that Scalise handed him an air compressor at the building’s entrance, which he took to his residence.
Adkins further admitted that he obtained a set of screwdrivers from the building and attempted to sell them.
Investigators attempted to interview Melissa Keeney but were unsuccessful.
According to the complaint, the only stolen property recovered during the investigation was the air compressor, valued at approximately $150.
The remaining property, valued at approximately $1,660, had not been recovered.
Based on the investigation, the officer requested charges of breaking and entering, conspiracy, and grand larceny against Adkins, Scalise, Melissa Keeney, and Patsy Keeney.
Arrest records were only available for Scalise and Patsy Keeney at the time of publication. It’s currently unclear whether Adkins and Melissa Keeney have been taken into custody at this time.
