Keizer police recover $10K in stolen goods, arrest Salem man

Keizer police arrested a 27-year-old Salem man and recovered more than $10,000 in suspected stolen merchandise from his apartment and storage unit. The Keizer Police Department announced the arrest Oct. 22 after a coordinated operation with the Salem Police Department's Street Crimes Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Carlos Dejesus Chale was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 20, on outstanding warrants for theft and coercion, according to KOIN. He appeared for arraignment Oct. 22 at the Marion County Correctional Facility, the Statesman Journal reported.

Investigators executing court-authorized search warrants at Chale's Salem apartment and a storage unit found tools, household appliances including KitchenAid mixers and vacuums, electronics, chainsaws and power generators, according to the Statesman Journal. Many items were still in their original packaging. Officers also reported finding a small amount of suspected illegal drugs during the search.

The investigation began in February 2025 after a residential burglary in Keizer. Chale allegedly broke into a home, destroyed $5,000 in property and attempted to steal jewelry valued at more than $100, court records cited by the Statesman Journal show. Keizer police said Chale was suspected of threatening the family during the break-in.

Detectives with Keizer's Criminal Investigations Unit identified Chale and sought warrants for his arrest. Over the next two years, Chale allegedly stole goods at a Home Depot and a Kohl's in Albany and a Target in Salem, according to court records cited by the Statesman Journal.

By 2026, Community Response Unit detectives linked Chale to suspected drug activity and stolen merchandise in the Salem area. He had outstanding warrants in multiple counties. KOIN reported the warrants were for theft and coercion, while the Statesman Journal reported they covered theft, burglary and criminal mischief.

Chale's case has been referred to the Marion County District Attorney's Office for additional charges, including theft by receiving and possession of methamphetamine, according to KOIN.

All charges are allegations. Chale is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Keizer police said detectives are working to identify victims and return the recovered property to its owners. Residents who believe their stolen property may be among the recovered items can contact the Keizer Police Department.