Babysitter charged with stealing from homeowners in Chicago suburbs and selling goods online
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A babysitter and U.S. Army reservist has been charged with stealing jewelry, handbags, and clothing from three north suburban homes where she worked, and posting them for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Darissa Chavarria, 22, is facing multiple charges of felony theft in Lake County.
Police said the investigation started after a Lake Forest homeowner reported one of the thefts in January.
On Jan. 9, an arrest warrant was approved for Chavarria, charging her with two felony counts of theft, according to Lake County court records.
Not long after, a Lake Bluff homeowner reported missing jewelry, handbags, and clothing totaling more than $10,000 in value from her home. The items also were being sold by Chavarria on Facebook marketplace.
On Jan 27, a second Lake Forest homeowner who Chavarria had worked for reported missing jewelry totaling approximately $1,700 in value.
Police said they recovered some of the stolen items after getting a search warrant for Chavarria's home, and the Lake County State's Attorney's office later approved five total counts of felony theft against Chavarria.
Chavarria is due to appear for a preliminary hearing on March 6, according to Lake County court records.
Police said anyone who has previously hired Chavarria, who solicited her babysitting services online, should check their valuables, and if they believe anything has been stolen, they should contact their local police department.
"She was, up until a few days ago, still offering her services up as a babysitter, and if anybody used her as a babysitter in the past to check your items of value and let us know. There may be more victims out there," Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said.
A U.S. Army Reserve spokesperson confirmed Chavarria is a specialist stationed in Lake Forest, and has been with the Army Reserve since October 2021.
She is assigned as a unit supply specialist with the 16th Psychological Operations Company, HHSC Psyob Battalion, in Lake Forest. During her time in the service, she has been awarded an Army Achievement Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and an Army Service Ribbon.
"The Army Reserve and the U.S. Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command are aware of the incident and will continue to monitor the situation. The Army Reserve is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct among its Soldiers and civilian personnel," an Army Reserve spokesperson said in a statement.
