Former lawman accused of stealing own art in Apex

Keith Adams was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago. A lot of his art work has come from his fight against the disease. 

"That kept the creative fires burning when I was sick," Adams said. 

Recently, Bistro 155, 1402 East Williams St. in Apex, asked him to display 32 pieces of his art on loan. Adams said he was going to be the resident artist there. 

"My art was hanging for sale," Adams said. 

Soon, the restaurant closed and Adams' art was locked inside. Adams said the owner of the building would not return his property. 

"He told me I was no longer the owner," Adams said. 

A few days later, Adams said he returned to the empty building and found the door open. 

"At that time, I repossessed my art. I went in and took it off the wall," he said. 

Adams said he called Apex police so no one would be alarmed. He was shocked when police called him back. He was charged with felony breaking and entering and larceny. 

"I said, 'You are kidding,'" Adams said. "They were not kidding." 

The artist is familiar with the law. He retired from the Cary Police Department after more than 20 years in law enforcement. He also served on the U.S. Marshals Violence Fugitive Task Force. 

"My property, I had the right to it, and I went and got it. I did not see any issues with that," he said. 

According to warrants, the art is valued at $6,000. 

Adams has a court hearing Feb. 22. 

Attempts by WRAL News to contact the building owner were not successful.