EH Police Charge Woman With Burglary

An 18-year-old woman is facing felony charges of burglary and grand larceny after being arrested by East Hampton Town police the evening of June 28. Nikael Gebhardt, who stays occasionally with a family member at the Windmill Village apartment complex on Accabonac Road in East Hampton, remained in

county jail as of Tuesday, July 2, unable to post the $2000 bail set for her. According to the police, Gebhardt was allowed by her relative to occasionally sleep over at the Windmill Village apartment after her mother, the relative told police, “kicked her out in July or August of last year because she couldn’t control her.”

Gebhardt allegedly twice used her occasional brief stays with her relative at Windmill Village to enter two neighbors’ apartments, one on May 22, the other on June 24, removing items from each. On May 22, the police said, she stole a brown canvas purse from the apartment she entered, which contained about $10 in cash, along with a Chase debit card, a food stamp card, and some personal identification. On June 24, police said she made off with a neighbor’s wallet, which contained $120 in cash, and several debit and credit cards.

After the first alleged theft, the relative had found one of the missing items tossed into a laundry bin in her apartment. After the second alleged theft, detectives became involved, and Gebhardt was questioned. On Friday, June 28, she reportedly admitted to the thefts.

The most serious charge she is facing is the burglary charge. It is classified as a violent felony, under New York State law. Along with the felony grand larceny count, she also has been charged with a misdemeanor, possession of stolen property.

Gebhardt was represented by Carl Irace during her arraignment June 29. At one point Irace approached the bench to conference with East Hampton Town Justice Lisa Rana, leaving Gebhardt alone with the officer guarding her. Gebhardt turned and looked back at a friend seated in the courtroom, smiling.

Rana was not amused. “This isn’t funny,” she said to Gebhardt. “Listen to me. You have been charged with a felony. Anything you think is funny about this situation, get it out of your mind.”

Gebhardt is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday, July 3.

t.e@indyeastend.com