Caretaker Takes Off With Nearly $200,000 in Jewels From Laguna Home

A 52-year-old convicted felon was behind bars today after telling police he took jewels valued at $178,000 from a Laguna Beach home he was supposed to be taking care of, police said.

Robert Wayne Erfurt, arrested Monday on suspicion of felony grand theft and possession of methamphetamine, was locked up in lieu of $200,000 bail, Laguna Beach police Lt. Jason Kravetz said.

A San Diego County woman told police that the jewels were taken from a friend's home in the 1300 block of Moorea Way between December and March 30, Kravetz said. The victim had been staying with the friend while her home was being renovated, Kravetz said.

When she returned to Laguna Beach in order to get the jewelry, she found that it had all been stolen.

There were many people who had access to the residence, but Erfurt caught the attention of the officers because he hurriedly left while they were taking the initial report, Kravetz said. Erfurt worked as a caretaker at the home, Kravetz said.

Detectives found Erfurt in an Anaheim motel Monday, he said. Under questioning, Erfurt admitted he took the valuables, he said.

The jewels were found in a magnetized box under Erfurt's truck, Kravetz said.