Open House Heist Nets Woman $24K In Jewelry, Arrest: Police

GLENDALE, WI — A California woman has been arrested and charged after authorities say she stole more than $24,000 jewelry and heirlooms during a nefarious open-house visit in Glendale in late May.

Janet M. Barnes, 50, of Clovis, California, has been charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with one count of theft, and could face up to five years behind bars or up to a $25,000 fine, or both, if she is convicted of the maximum penalties associated with the charge against her.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, Barnes went to an open house at a $435,000 Glendale Colonial on the afternoon of May 24. During the visit, authorities say Barnes introduced herself to the realtor in charge of the showing as "having one million dollars" before stating her own name.

Investigators say the realtor began showing Barnes around the property. While upstairs, Barnes asked where the bathroom was, and was left alone upstairs.

According to police, Barnes took the time she was alone to find and conceal several bracelets, necklaces, rings, rare coins and a number of Louis Vuitton purses. The total value of all the stolen items was more than $24,000, investigators say.

Several days later on May 29, authorities learned that Barnes was in the area to attend a graduation ceremony, and that she was also a suspect in several jewelry heists that occurred during open houses, authorities say.

Two days later on May 31, authorities say Barnes was located outside Derzon Coins in West Allis and taken into custody. When she was arrested, police recounted finding "a cornucopia of jewelry" on her and in her car including 11 rings, six bracelets, seven necklaces and several other pieces of jewelry. Several realtor cards were also recovered from her as well.

According to court records, Barnes is being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond. She is scheduled to appear in court next on June 12 for her preliminary hearing.