SF man accused of stealing from elderly woman

Seneca Falls Police arrested Christopher M. Claeys, age 31, of Miller Street in Seneca Falls on Friday at about 7:20 pm on multiple charges. Claeys had a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Seneca Falls Town Court that stemmed from charges he received in February 2014. In addition to the Failure to Appear, Claeys was charged with Forgery in the 2nd Degree (Felony), Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree (Felony) and 3 counts of Petit Larceny. Those charges stem from an investigation that allege Claeys befriended an elderly woman in late 2013 and he began to steal from her. The theft included blank checks that he then forged for cash and to purchase merchandise, Claeys also made unauthorized purchases with the victim’s credit card while he was assisting her.When taken into custody Claeys was in the pressence of a 25 year old female who is the protected party in a stay away order of protection against Claeys. Claeys was also charged with Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree (Misd.). Claeys was arraigned in Seneca Falls Town Court on all charges and committed to the Seneca Co. Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash/$10,000 bond and is to appear on Monday April 28th at 6pm for a Felony Hearing.