More than $160,000 in jewelry stolen during Highland Park open house, suit claims
BY JAMES SCALZITTI Staff Reporter jscalzitti@suntimes.com November 8, 2012 11:56AM
Updated: November 8, 2012 11:56AM
A Highland Park woman says someone stole $162,000 in jewelry from her home during an open house — and now she’s suing a real estate firm for letting it happen.
Lena Katamanin filed suit Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court against Winnetka-based Midwest Realty Ventures, which does business under the name Prudential Rubloff, and one of its agents.
Katamanin claims the brokerage had “sole control” over her home in the 900 block of Sheridan Road in Highland Park during the April 22 open house, and that more than $162,000 worth of jewelry was missing from a walk-in closet afterward.
The professional malpractice suit blames the agent and Midwest Realty Ventures for “careless and negligent acts” which led to the theft. The suit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.
A report was filed with Highland Park police on April 23, police said. According to the report, the jewelry was taken from a walk-in closet between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on April 22, during an open house. Police on Thursday said the investigation was still ongoing.
Midwest Realty Ventures could not be reached for comment.
