Cape couple admits to stealing jewelry

Police say she drove the getaway car and he committed the crimes. Now, a Cape Coral couple has been caught after months of allegedly stealing people's jewelry and trading it in for cash.

Cape police say the crimes go back to May 2 when a homeowner reported finding a man in his house claiming to fix the air conditioner.

Three months and dozens of hits later, police found thousands of dollars worth of jewelry decorating the couple's home - though half of the items they stole had already been pawned off.

We caught up with Timothy Alessio, the grandfather of the man who first laid eyes on the thieves.

"The guy stated he was fixing our air conditioning and he couldn't figure out the problem," said Alessio.

But 35-year-old James Worden knew nothing about air conditioners. In fact, police say he had a more lucrative craft.

Alessio says his grandson looked Worden right in the eye. They came face to face on May 2 and Worden jetted right past him and out the door with more than $3,500 worth of jewels in his pocket.

"Various rings, jewelry, and necklaces," said Alessio. "I worked hard - not only for the money but for the sentimental value."

Police say Worden and his girlfriend, 36-year-old Julieann Sommer, were just getting started.

In the end, investigators tracked the couple down and they uncovered thousands of dollars worth of jewelry inside their home. But most of it was already gone.

Police say Sommer pawned the stolen jewels for cash and what the pawn shop wouldn't take - they'd keep.

Alessio says his possessions sold for $70.

"Obviously it doesn't mean anything to them, it's just money," said Alessio.

The couple admitted to the burglaries. They told police they did it because money was short.

Worden was in jail Tuesday night and Sommer was released on bond.

We went to the couple's house, but Sommer wasn't home to comment.
Source: abc-7