Deer Park Area News and Events


November 13, 2003
New Richmond News
Accused armed robber pleads guilty
Sentencing set in 2002 hold-up at four corners convenience store

A 51-year-old River Falls woman, who eluded authorities for nearly eight months, is set to be sentenced in February, 2004 for her role in an armed robbery at a Cylon Township convenience store.

As a jury trial was set to get underway last Wednesday, Rebecca Camille Keller pled guilty to one felony count of armed robbery with a threat of force in connection with the December, 2002 incident. The store, then known as Auto Stop, is located at the intersection of Hwys. 64/63 and 46 - commonly referred to as the four corners.

St. Croix County Circuit Judge Edward F. Vlack has ordered an investigation before handing down a sentence in the case, which was filed this past July. Keller, who initially pled not guilty to the charge, now faces up to 60 years in prison in connection with the crime.

According to the criminal complaint, Keller entered the store at about 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2002, and used the restroom before approaching the counter and displaying a silver and black handgun to two clerks on duty.

Investigators caught up with Keller after receiving a tip from one of the store clerk’s on duty the night of the robbery. The former clerk, who was then working for a New Richmond banking institution, called sheriff’s deputies after waiting on Keller, saying she recognized her voice from the robbery.

Prior to the tip, authorities had been looking for a man in connection with the robbery. But after reviewing both the bank tape and surveillance tape taken at the convenience store, began looking into Keller and executed a search warrant at her home a short time later.

Items confiscated at and near the home include two pistol-type BB guns and a back bag similar to the one used during the robbery.

Keller later told authorities she robbed the store in order to pay gambling debts.

Keller remains free on a $25,000 surety bond. Sentencing is set to take place Feb., 4, 2004 at the St. Croix County Government Center.


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