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
FAA issues emergency air traffic control alerts nationwide

Nationwide Emergency Alerts Issued by FAA for Air Traffic Control

Air travel across the US faces major disruptions on Wednesday as multiple…
Shorter school weeks? Study finds 4-day weeks may not help all students

Texas Dad Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Daughter Serenity Baker’s Passing

() The father of Serenity Baker, a Texas middle schooler fatally stabbed…
Aaron Judge’s iconic ALDS home run was basically impossible

Aaron Judge’s Legendary ALDS Home Run Was Practically Unbelievable

Aaron Judge achieved a remarkable feat, setting a new standard in baseball…
Kennedy heiress dies at her Boston home at age of 89

Kennedy Family Member Passes Away at 89 in Boston Residence

Joan Bennett Kennedy, the first wife of late Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, has died…
Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Homeland Security Secretary Kristi…
Texas resident in porta-potty struck by pickup truck 

Pickup Truck Collides with Porta-Potty Occupied by Texas Local

LUBBOCK, Texas– A resident of Lubbock was run over while inside a…

Potential Government Shutdown Puts WIC Benefits at Risk

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The government shutdown threatens a food-aid program, WIC, which…
2 'narco-banners' purportedly threaten Americans visiting or living in Mexico

Two ‘Narco-Banners’ Allegedly Warn Americans Traveling or Residing in Mexico

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Two banners reportedly left behind by members…