A Mesa carpet cleaner is accused of stealing from a family while on the job, according to court documents.
Christopher Allen Valder, 29, was arrested Thursday after stealing jewelry from a family near Rural Road and University Drive, Mesa police said.
Court documents say that Valder, who was employed by Fosters' Carpet Care and Repair, was supposed to clean a family’s apartment carpet on Feb. 1, but instead cleaned out their jewelry.
After Valder left the apartment, the family noticed several items of jewelry were missing, including gold and silver rings and a necklace.
Police said Valder pawned the stolen items the same day. Officers recovered the jewelry and it was identified by the family.
After Valder was arrested, he told officers he "needed extra money and did not think they would notice their jewelry missing." He has been charged with theft and trafficking in stolen property.
Officials said his sticky fingers have gotten him into trouble in the past, as Valder also has an outstanding warrant for shoplifting.
