Interior Designer Accused Of Stealing Jewelry From Client's Home

MILL VALLEY, CA — A Novato interior designer arrested Wednesday is accused of stealing jewelry and gift cards from a client's Strawberry home, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said the victim reported the theft on Oct. 10, telling deputies more than $80,000 worth of jewelry and multiple gift cards were stolen over the course of five months. According to the sheriff's office, the woman said she confronted Cesalee Venema, a designer and household organizer, after discovering the items were missing.

The victim told investigators Venema, 43, admitted to spending thousands from one gift card and taking another worth $200 but initially denied taking the jewelry.

Detectives executed a search warrant for the suspect's home and vehicle on Wednesday morning in Novato. The sheriff's office said the search turned up jewelry and gift cards, along with items believed to have been purchased with the gift cards.

According to detectives, Venema admitted to taking items from the victim during an interview and was booked into jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property, burglary, grand theft and embezzlement over $400. The sheriff's office said Venema quickly posted bail on a $50,000 bond.

Detectives believe Venema worked as an interior designer for other clients in Marin County and ask anyone who could be an additional victim to contact investigators via e-mail.