On October 10th 2024, Marin County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies were dispatched to investigate a theft in the Strawberry Area of Mill Valley. The victim reported over the course of approximately five months over $80,000 in jewelry and gift cards had been stolen from her house. She had hired a woman by the name of Cesalee Venema as an interior designer and household organizer. When the Victim discovered the thefts, she confronted Venama. Venama admitted to spending approximately $5,000 on a gift card and taking another gift card with a value of $200. Venama denied taking any of the jewelry.

Detectives from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office authored a search warrant for Venama’s house in Novato and her vehicle. On the morning of October 16th, detectives executed the search warrant. Jewelry and additional gift cards stolen from the victim and items purchased with the stolen gift cards were located in Venama’s vehicle and house. Venama admitted to taking the items from the victim during an interview.

Venema was booked into the Marin County Jail for Possession of Stolen Property, Burglary, Embezzlement over $400, and Grand Theft. Venema was booked on a $50,000 bond amount, and quickly posted bail.

During the interview with Detectives, Venema admitted she was working as an interior designer for other residents of Marin County. If you believe you may be a victim, please contact Detective Hickey at s_hickey@marinsheriff.org.