Sewickley Heights Police Charge Woman With Stealing $20,000 Necklace

A Coraopolis woman is facing felony theft charges after police said she stole a $20,000 necklace from a Sewickley Heights home where she worked.

Jessica Cox, 28, of Ridge Avenue, is charged with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Sewickley Heights police were called Nov. 17 to a residence in the 400 block of Scaife Road where the homeowner reported she was missing a necklace valued at $20,000 that she had stored in a purse.

Police said the owner had been diligent about monitoring the necklace, described as a gold Aaron Basha necklace with diamonds and charms, because she recently hired a new cleaning lady whom she was aware had a troubled past. Police said Cox had only cleaned there twice.

Police said only two people had been in the home between the evening of Nov. 14, when the homeowner checked for the necklace and found it was still in the purse  and on Nov. 17, when she again checked for the necklace and found it missing. 

On Nov. 20, an officer checking pawn shops in the Pittsburgh area learned the necklace had been pawned at Banner Coin Exchange in Pittsburgh. Police said a transaction receipt showed Cox pawned necklace on Nov. 17 for $225.

Cox remained in Allegheny County Jail Thursday unable to post $25,000 bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Leetsdale District Court. 

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