Babysitter charged for allegedly stealing valuables from north suburban homes and selling them on Facebook Marketplace

LAKE FOREST/LAKE BLUFF, Ill. — A babysitter is facing several felony theft charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in valuables from multiple north suburban homes and selling them on Facebook Marketplace, authorities announced Thursday.

Darissa A. Chavarria, 22, worked as a babysitter, according to police, and was suspected of stealing jewelry, handbags and clothing from Lake Forest and Lake Bluff homeowners before allegedly selling them online.

She was apprehended after a joint investigation by the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Police Departments.

“We commend the victims who came forward to report these thefts,” Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said in a news release. “Many people hesitate to report theft, but victims coming forward is essential and helps us recover stolen property and also prevents future crimes.”

Anyone who previously hired Chavarria as a babysitter is encouraged by police to check their valuables and contact their local police department if they believe they are a victim of theft.

Investigation details

In January, according to authorities, Lake Forest police were made aware of a theft investigation in which a babysitter was suspected of stealing jewelry, handbags and clothing from both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff homeowners.

The suspect, Chavarria, was accused of taking the items from the residences and posting them for sale on Facebook Marketplace. During the joint investigation, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office was contacted and approved an arrest warrant for Chavarria for two felony theft charges in that Lake Forest case.

Shortly after that, authorities say, Lake Forest police were also informed by a Lake Bluff resident of missing jewelry, bags and clothing totaling over $10,000 from her residence. She suspected a previously employed babysitter, Chavarria, of stealing the items, which police say were also being sold by Chavarria on Facebook Marketplace.

On Jan. 27, authorities say Lake Forest police were informed by a second Lake Forest resident of missing jewelry items totaling about $1,700 from her home. She also suspected a previously employed babysitter, Chavarria.

The next day, Jan. 28, Lake Forest police obtained a residential search warrant from the State’s Attorney’s Office on Chavarria’s home in unincorporated Lake Bluff. Both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff police executed the search warrant on that day.

On Feb. 7, authorities say, the State’s Attorney’s Office approved an arrest warrant for two felony theft charges for the Lake Forest offenses, and Lake Bluff police also obtained an arrest warrant for one felony theft charge.