Handyman Accused of Stealing Diamonds, Blank Check From Hopatcong Home

A Landing man is accused of taking jewelry and money from a Hopatcong home he had performed services in and has been charged with burglary, Hopatcong Police said.

A homeowner on Bonaparte Point Drive called police regarding a burglary, Lt. Thomas Kmetz said. The victim told police a check she did not write had been drawn from her bank account, and noticed jewelry was missing from her bedroom.

Interviews with neighbors revealed they saw the homeowner’s handyman, Wallace Krake, 36, enter the home when no work was scheduled, Kmetz said. It was also learned Krake had a key to the home, Kmetz said.

Police then interviewed Krake and an investigation revealed the handyman took the check and made it out to cash for $200, Kmetz said. Krake also said he took the diamonds from the homeowner’s bedrooms dresser, but would return them, Kmetz said.

Krake was charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, and one count of forgery.

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