Pasadena housekeeper suspected in theft
PASADENA -- Police have arrested a housekeeper they say stole iPods, gift cards, electronic toys and other property from homes she worked in during the past 10 years in Pasadena and Los Angeles, officials said Thursday.
Lesley Rugama, 37, of Canoga Park is facing several counts of burglary, and prosecutors could file more charges as the result of a continuing investigation into the thefts, Pasadena Police Department officials said.
Many of the victims were unaware that their "missing" property had actually been stolen. Detectives searched Rugama's home and recovered numerous items believed stolen from the homes she worked in over the past decade. Some of the items have already been returned to their owners. But many more items have yet to be identified by their owners and returned, police said.
Police said Rugama gained the trust of her employees then stole from them.
Authorities asked that anyone who has employed Rugama as a housekeeper call Detective Sgt. Mari Sell, (626) 744-3818.
Lesley Rugama, 37, of Canoga Park is facing several counts of burglary, and prosecutors could file more charges as the result of a continuing investigation into the thefts, Pasadena Police Department officials said.
Many of the victims were unaware that their "missing" property had actually been stolen. Detectives searched Rugama's home and recovered numerous items believed stolen from the homes she worked in over the past decade. Some of the items have already been returned to their owners. But many more items have yet to be identified by their owners and returned, police said.
Police said Rugama gained the trust of her employees then stole from them.
Authorities asked that anyone who has employed Rugama as a housekeeper call Detective Sgt. Mari Sell, (626) 744-3818.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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