Mystery Wine Country Death Of Woman Suspected In Missing Blanket, Stolen Wine, Investor Fraud Cases

NAPA VALLEY, CA — A Napa County theft investigation that began with a missing $1,200 blanket and stolen bottles of wine has become a tangled criminal case involving felony burglary charges, skipped court appearances, an unexplained death, and a defendant tied to a past federal stock-fraud scheme.

In March, Hillstone Homes and Honor Market staff in Yountville discovered that merchandise had been stolen. A man and woman recorded on surveillance video are suspected of taking a luxury blanket from Hillstone and wine from a neighboring market, according to press reports.

Deputies launched an investigation after receiving the surveillance footage. Two days later, on March 28, deputies learned the suspects’ vehicle might still be traveling in Napa County. Authorities broadcast a “Be On the Lookout” alert across the valley, the Yountville Sun reported.

At about 11 a.m. that day, deputies stopped the vehicle on Route 29 near Butler Bridge, according to the Yountville Sun.

Investigators detained Michael Forster, 61, and Kensington Forster, 50, both identified as residents of San Luis Obispo. Deputies found a blanket matching the one missing from the hotel in the vehicle, and empty wine bottles matching the ones taken from the market, according to reports.

Authorities booked the couple into the Napa County Jail on suspicion of burglary, theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy. After posting bail, both failed to appear for their scheduled April 7 court hearing, prompting felony warrants, according to reports.

The case later took an unexpected turn. According to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Kensington Forster — who also used the names Amy Chaffe and Amy Chaffe Swanson — died while the case remained active. Napa County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Henry Wofford confirmed her death on May 12, according to reports.

Authorities said a $50,000 warrant had been issued after she failed to appear in court April 7. Her death was reported April 10 — the same day deputies executed Michael Forster’s warrant and returned him to custody, according to reports.

The date and cause of her death are still unknown.

“The coroner’s report recorded April 10, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she died that day,” Wofford told the Tribune.

Investigators are now examining whether her death had any connection to the burglary case, though officials cautioned against drawing conclusions. Authorities said Michael Forster’s arrest was unrelated to the death investigation.

Court records show Michael Forster recently pleaded guilty in a separate federal conspiracy case tied to a penny-stock “pump-and-dump” fraud scheme involving a San Diego natural energy drink company.

Federal regulators permanently barred him from participating in penny-stock offerings after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a related civil enforcement case.

SEC filings in 2014 identified Amy Chaffe as sole officer, director, and founder of an Italian bicycle importer in a public offering. The couple received a letter from the SEC that said the firm appeared to be a shell company. The company morphed into Cloud Web Inc (CLOW).

It is not clear why they were in Napa Valley or when they arrived.