North Country pair arrested for causing more than $6K in property damage with vehicles

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — State Police in Watertown announced that they arrested two North Country residents this week following an investigation into more than $6,360 in vehicular damage caused to private property in Jefferson County.

On April 21, state troopers were called to a residence on Morris Tract Road in the town of Lyme after the property owner noticed two vehicles that were stuck in the mud and caused a significant amount of damage to their property.

Kathryndani B. Hassinger, age 27 of Evans Mills, was charged with 2nd degree criminal mischief, a felony, and trespass, a violation, for damages caused after a bonfire party was held on the property.

Benjamin S. Keigley, age 25 of Fort Drum, was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He is accused of driving a vehicle to the party without the owner’s consent.

Hassinger was arraigned via Skype and was released on her own recognizance. Keigley was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Lyme Court on July 20, at 6:30 p.m.