Police: Health Aide Stole $21K in Jewelry from Elderly Couple

A Chicago woman is being charged with financial exploitation of the elderly and theft over $500 after pawning over $21,000 in jewelry that she stole from an elderly couple. 

Maricel DeJesus, 28, worked as the in-home companion for an elderly couple who lived on the 400 block of Woodlawn Ave. DeJesus was arrested on Aug. 28 for allegedly stealing $21, 476 worth of jewelry from the couple. She reportedly pawned the jewelry, police reports state. Police have been able to recover about half of the missing jewelry. 

DeJesus began working for the elderly couple in 2011. After the husband passed away, his wife mentioned to family members that she believed some jewelry was missing or stolen. The family member contacted police, and an investigation was launched. 

DeJesus was an employee of Companions for Seniors, a Chicago-based placement agency for companions for the elderly. 

Companions for Seniors did not wish to issue a statement, as its an ongoing criminal investigation. 

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