Cape Coral House Cleaner Arrested for Stealing Jewelry

Cape Coral police arrested Donald Claybaugh, 59, on May 14 and charged him with grand theft and six counts of dealing in stolen property after he pawned jewelry stolen from a client's home.

A woman reported missing jewelry, including vintage gold diamond rings, on March 30. Claybaugh had worked as her monthly house cleaner. She initially declined to press charges but changed her mind after finding several pieces at a local pawn shop and repurchasing them.

Detectives reviewed pawn records and linked multiple transactions to Claybaugh between 2025 and 2026.

Police ask anyone who employed Claybaugh and experienced similar theft to contact the Cape Coral Police Department at (239) 574-3223 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477.