$5K Bail Set for Woman Accused of Stealing $92K in Jewelry, Silverware

Ozaukee County Circut Judge Tom Wolfgram Wednesday set bail at $5,000 for a 49-year-old Mequon woman charged with stealing more than $92,000 in jewelry and silverware from two friends who live in Bayside and Grafton.

The prosecution originally requested a $10,000 bail for Jill E. Binon because of the seriousness of the accusations and the amount stolen.

Binon's attorney, Michael E. Banaszak, argued that because the women Binon allegedly stole from were also her employers, she is no longer employed, making a large amount of money hard to obtain. Banaszak said he has spoken with family and friends willing to put money toward her bail, and suggested $1,000 cash bail per count, totaling $2,o00 bail.

Banaszak also expressed concern for Binon's health, explaining that Binon is suffering from cardiac and diabetic complications and was hospitalized "as recently as a week ago."

Binon's friend in Grafton noticed on May 12 that several pieces of jewelry were missing from her jewelry box, which was locked and hidden in a closet. Also missing were multiple pieces of Tiffany silverware. The total value of the missing items was estimated at $92,238.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department detective investigating the thefts then checked a property registry system to see whether any of the stolen items had been sold to local pawn shops. When a list came back, the Grafton woman confirmed several items were hers, but also noted that a number of items sold along with hers belonged to a friend living in Bayside, whom Binon was a caretaker for.

Binon has been charged with two felony counts: theft of movable property greater than $10,000 and receiving stolen property greater than $10,000. She faces up to 20 years in prison and $50,000 in fines if convicted.

If released on bail, Binon is not allowed to leave Wisconsin, must have no contact with either of the victims, must surrender her passport and will not be allowed to enter a casino or engage in any type of gambling.