Woman, male 'accomplice' accused of using child in Auburn jewelry heist
AUBURN, Wash. - An Auburn woman has been arrested, accused of using a small child to distract store employees, while a man stole thousands of dollars in gold jewelry from a case at Antique Marketplace in Auburn.
Owner Carly Willis says the man and woman's scheme was caught on camera the afternoon of December 11 while the store was still open. She says the female suspect was later identified by online sleuths.
"It just makes you sad, really sad, to see a child in that kind of environment," said Carly Willis, owner of Antique Marketplace.
Security video from Antique Marketplace shows the shocking way employees said a young child may have been used to carry out a heartless holiday theft.
"Stood right there with the kid on her shoulders," said Willis, pointing to the area where the woman was caught on camera.
Willis said the man and woman came in separately, eventually meeting up at a jewelry case.
"Perfect little block right here," said Willis.
While the child played a loud game or music on a phone, employees said their view was blocked while the man pried open the case.
"She moved, as if you’re shopping," Willis demonstrated.
Employees said their view was blocked, while the man pried open the case with a screwdriver, out of view.
"Just wedged this piece of glass up, was able to just hold it very gingerly and grab everything while she was standing right there," said Willis.
After cameras captured him shoving thousands of dollars worth of gold jewelry in his pockets, they left separately, according to employees.
Willis shared some of the images from the security video on social media and tips about the woman started rolling in.
"The community really came together, and I was able to give the police what they needed to get her that evening," said Willis.
Court documents show officers identified her as Olivia Thulin of Auburn. Officers said when they talked to her at her address, she appeared to be wearing the same dress as the dress she was wearing at the store and had a small child with her.
Police said Thulin and the man, "were seen facing one another and appeared to be conversing when the theft was initiated."
Also, detectives said in court documents that she, "admitted that she drove the accomplice to the jewelry store and drove him to another location afterward, but she denied any knowledge of the theft."
She's been charged with first degree theft in King County.
Documents did not state whether any authorities intervened on behalf of a child in this case.
Court documents indicate that Thulin has a history with the law. Prosecutors noted in court documents that, "Washington courts have issued 22 warrants for the defendant’s arrest since 2010."
Prosecutors also wrote;
"A diligent review of defendant’s Defendant Case History on the Washington Judicial Access Browser System (JABS) and returns for defendant from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) revealed the defendant has the following convictions: Forgery (2013); Bail Jumping (2020); Failure to Appear/Surrender Charge (2021); No Valid Operator License with Valid ID (2009); Reckless Driving (2009); Theft-3 (2010, 2015, 2020); DWLS-3 (2010, 2 x 2012, 2015, 2024)."
"It was both of them clearly," said Willis, talking about the most recent allegations.
Meantime, Willis is encouraging folks to shop at the store to support the small business and the vendors and employees. Security measures have also been added, and she's hoping for a second arrest for the holidays.
"It’s so uncommon when you have a theft, for us to know who the people are and be able to press charges. So, I’d love for that to happen.
Police have been following up on some leads for the male suspect, but Willis says he's still on the loose. If you know who the man is or where he might be located, contact Auburn Police.
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