Camera Catches Apple Valley Woman Allegedly Stealing Jewelry From Roommate

An Apple Valley woman faces a theft charge after police say an in-home video camera showed her allegedly stealing more than $1,000 in jewelry and other items from her roommate.

Lori Jean Wegner-Barthol, 50, is charged with one count of felony theft; the maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, Wegner-Barthol's former roommate from November 2010 to July 2011 reported to in August that she believed Wegner-Barthol had stolen jewelry from her.

The roommate told police she put her jewelry in a bag in her bedroom closet, and bought a video camera, which she set up facing the closet, the complaint says.

The camera allegedly recorded Wegner-Barthol taking the bag from the closet with the jewelry inside, the roommate told police; the roommate said she confronted Wegner-Barthol and kicked her out of the house, according to the complaint.

Wegner-Barthol allegedly told Lakeville police when they spoke with her in August that she had taken ruby and gold rings and a pearl necklace, as well as 15 DVDs, the complaint says.

She allegedly told them that she had pawned some of the items and thrown away others.

Wegner-Barthol was convicted in 2009 of misdemeanor theft in Scott County, court records show.