Richmond police accuse maintenance worker of using master key to steal thousands from apartment units

A maintenance worker in Richmond is facing criminal charges after the Richmond Police Department alleged that he used a master key to enter apartment units and steal cash, according to WKYT. The department said the allegations involve thefts from multiple apartments and that the accused took thousands of dollars from the units.

WKYT reported that the person accused is Howard Kash, 52. A photograph accompanying the report identifies him by name and age. The case centers on the role of a maintenance worker who, by job duties, would be expected to have access to keys and entry systems for residents’ units.

Richmond Police said the alleged conduct involved use of a master key, a type of credential that can provide access to multiple doors within a building. According to the report, detectives determined that cash was taken from apartment units and that the thefts were linked to the maintenance worker’s access.

The alleged thefts are now part of a criminal case that will move through the court system, where the charges will be handled under Kentucky law. Information about the specific counts filed, the exact total amount taken, and the dates of the alleged incidents were not detailed in the available report, and no additional case details are included here.

As the case proceeds, residents who were affected by the alleged thefts will remain central to the investigation’s practical impact. Apartment thefts can create immediate safety concerns, raise questions about building security and key controls, and prompt additional scrutiny of access procedures for staff.

For landlords and property managers, the allegations also highlight the importance of maintaining tight controls over master keys and documenting access. If convicted, the charges could result in penalties that reflect both the alleged financial harm and the perceived breach of trust tied to the maintenance role.