MADISON COUNTY, IL — Christina Chanel Costello, 33, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, has been charged in connection with a burglary scheme involving suspects who posed as Ameren employees to steal valuable possessions, including jewelry, from mainly elderly victims in Illinois and Missouri.
Costello has not yet been arrested but faces two felony counts of residential burglary for incidents on May 28 in East Alton and May 30 in Collinsville. Authorities revealed that the scam involves a female suspect approaching victims door-to-door, identifying herself as an Ameren employee needing to inspect yards for tree limb trimming. While the victim is distracted, a male accomplice enters the home and steals valuables.
Investigators identified Costello with help from Missouri law enforcement, who were probing similar scams. Victims from the East Alton and Collinsville cases positively identified Costello in a lineup.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, executing search warrants and pursuing leads to apprehend all involved in the scheme. Officials urge residents to remain cautious and not allow unknown or suspicious individuals onto their property.
