A woman has been arrested in Storm Lake, Iowa, in connection with the theft of jewelry and cash valued at over $100,000. The Storm Lake Police Department responded to a call this week regarding a belated report of missing cash and various jewelry items from a residence.
The investigation led authorities to identify the suspect as 42-year-old Shari Bents, a caretaker employed at the victim’s home. On Thursday, police executed multiple search warrants at locations linked to Bents in Albert City, Peterson, and Rossie, where they allegedly recovered several items related to the investigation.
Bents has been charged with 1st Degree Theft, a class C felony, and Ongoing Criminal Conduct, a class B felony. She is currently being held at the Buena Vista County Jail on a $250,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
The Storm Lake Police Department received assistance from the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources during the investigation.