CLAYTON, Mo. — A substitute in-home caregiver, Kourtney R. Howard of Dellwood, has been charged with stealing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry from a client.
The thefts occurred in May 2025 at a home on Sunset Grove Court. Howard served as a substitute caregiver on May 5, May 10, and May 15.
Before her assignments, the main caregiver was warned that Howard had a history of thefts. As a precaution, a photo of the client’s jewelry box was taken. Upon returning, the regular caregiver discovered multiple pieces missing, totaling approximately $30,000 in value.
Sunset Hills investigators traced Howard’s pawning activity using an online pawn database, recovering seven pieces valued at $17,500. Howard admitted to stealing and pawning some of the items.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Howard with theft of $750 or more. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
