A couple of thieves stole more than $25, 000 in jewelry from their victim, an 81-year-old widow, as they pretended to be Florida utility workers, according to authorities.
The 49-year-old Rachael Demitro was arrested on Thursday and faces burglary and grand theft charges. Miramar police on Sunday said Demitro also defied her probation from the scam last June 25. She was captured through a doorbell camera of her victim as she posed as an employee from the Florida Power & Light.
“The investigation into the other suspect involved continues,” according to the department officials.
Demitro was arrested with the 58-year-old Bob Ely who is also from Oakland Park, Broward County deputies announced. The two face the same July 15 cash and jewelry burglary from an elderly couple in Margate.
“The homeowner told detectives it was very hot outside, and he kept trying to go back inside his home,” according to the statement of Broward County as it announced the pair’s arrest. “However, the woman continued to distract him with conversation. When she left, he discovered money had been stolen from his safe, and a wooden jewelry box containing all his wife’s jewelry had been taken.”
The two were later flagged. Detectives were able to seize from the suspects the jewelry of the victim, Broward deputies said, adding that Demitro was caught wearing the items, FOX News reported.
The Miramar police also released video footage taken in June. It showed how Demitro’s suspected accomplice enticed Diane Reeves, a widow, to her home’s backyard until Demitro went back. Shortly, the widow realized that she had been victimized, as reported by South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Among the stolen items was the victim’s charm bracelet from 1961 that was given to her by her mother; along with a pocket watch she had for her late husband, South Florida Sun Sentinel furthered.
