‘Admitted Gypsies’ Linked to Ruse Jewelry Theft From Elderly Couple: Cops

CHANNAHON, IL — A Chicago woman allegedly caught driving around with numerous pieces of jewelry, watches, coins, collectible money and thousands of dollars in cash was charged with pulling a ruse burglary in Channahon and stealing jewelry from an elderly couple.

Patsy Miller, 51,was pulled over by the Bolingbrook police in December. She was charged with improper lane usage, driving on a suspended license and having a defective windshield — and also jailed for allegedly possessing Suboxone and clonazepam.

Police say they found a veritable treasure trove of valuables in Miller’s Acura.

Miller claimed none of the property belonged to her, said Bolingbrook Public Safety Director Tom Ross, so the cops took it, along with her Acura. The assets have since been legally forfeited to the police.

Ross said at the time that detectives believed the shocking stock of valuables was likely the proceeds from ruse burglaries. He said his department was trying to reunite the property with its owners.

On Thursday, Channahon Police Detective Craig Gunty said investigators developed Miller and another man as suspects in an October caper, matching them to crimes committed in Downers Grove and Bolingbrook.

“They’re both self-admitted Gypsies,” Gunty said.

Miller distracted a man and woman, aged 69 and 64, by inquiring about a camper that was for sale while her partner stole their jewelry, Gunty said.

Only Miller has been charged in connection with the jewelry theft.

Miller was freed from jail Dec. 28 when her 37-year-old son, Mickey Miller, posted $50,000 bond. She remains at large.

The warrant for Patsy Miller’s arrest on the burglary case carries a $250,000 bond.

Patsy Miller | image via Will County Sheriff's Department