Lake County crime: Babysitter charged with stealing jewelry, handbags, clothing from homeowners in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff: police
Share and Follow

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — A woman working as a babysitter has been charged with stealing from homeowners in the north suburbs.

Police believe the babysitter stole thousands of dollars worth of personal belongings from families she worked for, and then tried to sell those items online. It was a stunning revelation for a couple families in Lake Bluff and neighboring Lake Forest.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The suspect, 22-year-old Darissa A. Chavarria, now faces multiple felony charges after being accused of stealing items from multiple families and selling them on Facebook Marketplace, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff police said.

Chavarria allegedly stole jewelry, handbags and clothing from at least two homes in Lake Forest and at least one home in Lake Bluff, where she worked at as a babysitter in the last two years, police said.

It wasn’t until January that a couple of parents realized their belongings were missing.

“Because moms talk in our cozy community, they found out who else was using her as a babysitter, and one of our residents did a little looking at home and realized hey we’ve been missing some things,” Lake Bluff Police Department Deputy Chief Erik Gehrke said.

Some of the items stolen included high end jewelry, brand name handbags and clothing. Police said the most shocking part is Chavarria didn’t try to hide it, as she posted the items for sale publicly on her Facebook profile.

“The family they had noticed some things had gone missing, but never suspected the babysitter, until another family saw the items on marketplace, so it’s something you might not see everyday and realize it’s a slow crime,” Gehrke said.

The discovery led to a warrant obtained last month to search Chavarria’s home in unincorporated Lake Bluff. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the after a joint investigation by Lake Forest and Lake Bluff police.

Police were able to recover at least 18 stolen items so far, but said there is still more they are searching for. Police are also now searching for other families who may have been victims.

“Some of the moms believe there are other victims, so that’s why we’re reaching out, and if anybody has used her, please check your stuff or give us a call,” Gehrke said.

No further information was immediately available.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Moment shoplifter pulls out gun to shoot officer at point-blank range

Shocking Incident: Shoplifter Fires Gun at Officer at Point-Blank Range in Bold Daylight Crime

Chilling body camera footage reveals the intense moment when a bold shoplifter…
FILE - An attendee asks Pearl Harbor survivor Ira

WWII Navy Veteran and Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, Passes Away at 105

Ira “Ike” Schab, a distinguished World War II Navy veteran and one…
High-flying exec raped me in 'Mad Men' office horror show: lawsuit

Lawsuit Alleges Disturbing Assault by Top Executive in Corporate Office

An executive from a multi-million-dollar company is accused of sexually assaulting his…
Singer-songwriter Todd Snider dies at 59

Heartfelt Tribute: George Clooney Honors Late Sister Ada Zeidler

Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, described in her online obituary as having passed away…
Did anyone win Monday's $419M Powerball jackpot? Check the winning numbers

Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1.6 Billion: Discover Its Place Among the Largest Lottery Prizes in History

The escalating Powerball jackpot is now part of an elite group of…
22-year-old man dies after Birmingham shooting, suspect in custody

Tragic Birmingham Shooting Claims Life of 22-Year-Old; Suspect Apprehended

In Birmingham, Alabama, a suspect has been apprehended following a deadly shooting…
JSO: Man shot during argument with suspect on Moncrief Road

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Successfully Reunites Lost Child with Family After Overnight Search

In a heartwarming turn of events, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office successfully reunited…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australia Considers Crackdown on Intifada Chants and Masked Protests Following Hanukkah Incident: What You Need to Know

In a significant move, New South Wales (NSW) in Australia is considering…