Housekeeper accused of stealing $35,000 ring from elderly Arizona woman

PHOENIX — A housekeeper in northern Arizona has been arrested after a $35,000 ring went missing from a home she was cleaning, authorities announced Friday.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said it took 53-year-old Michele Peterson of Prescott into custody last week.

Peterson allegedly stole the ring from a woman in her 80s, according to the sheriff’s office.

A YCSO detective recovered a stolen $35,000 ring and arrested the housekeeper responsible. The ring has been safely returned to the elderly victim. https://t.co/VQ1sS8d3Tu pic.twitter.com/gBEZRDeVCe

— Yavapai Co Sheriff’s Office (@YavapaiSheriff) October 3, 2025

The theft reportedly occurred on September 10, the same day Peterson was at the residence providing housekeeping services, YCSO said.

Where did alleged ring theft occur?

The victim lives in Dewey-Humboldt, a town 85 miles north of Phoenix and 20 miles southeast of Prescott, according to YCSO.

The sheriff’s office received a report saying the victim’s wedding ring was missing on Sept. 12.

Detectives used online leads and other evidence to find the victim’s stolen ring and identify Peterson as their suspect, YCSO said.

The housekeeper was arrested on various charges, including theft and trafficking of stolen property, on Sept. 24, YCSO said.

Further details were not made available.

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