Housecleaner Arrested After Jewelry Stolen From Homes In Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN, IL — A professional housecleaner is accused of stealing more than $20,000 worth of jewelry from the houses she worked at in Glen Ellyn.

Sandy Herndandez, 38, was arrested April 8 and charged with three counts of residential burglary in connection with incidents police say took place between November 2024 and mid-January 2025.

Glen Ellyn police were contacted by a resident on Dec. 2, 2024, who said jewelry valuing around $7,900 had been stolen from her home. She said a gold charm necklace and a Cartier ring were among the items that were taken. According to police, the woman said the items were stolen between November 19 and Dec. 2.

A second resident called police on Jan. 5 to report that pieces of jewelry with a total value of more than $10,000 had been taken from her house. The stolen items were described as a 14-karat gold engagement ring and wedding band, along with "more than a dozen additional items of jewelry," per a news release from DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. The items were stolen after Dec. 30, the woman reported.

Police received a third report of stolen jewelry on Jan. 15. A woman said a gold ring and a white gold tanzanite marquee ring were stolen sometime after Dec. 6, along with other pieces of jewelry. The total loss was valued at around $2,500.

Prosecutors say Hernandez was identified as a suspect after an investigation.

“It is alleged that Ms. Hernandez used her employment as a cleaning woman to gain access to her victims’ homes, and once inside, stole thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “Hiring a cleaning service can be a great help and time-saver, but people must remember that they are allowing unsupervised people in their home. Protect yourself and your belongings by asking questions before allowing people in your home. Ask about work experience, the amount of insurance they carry and don’t forget to ask for references."

Hernandez will appear in court on May 5.