Marin prosecutor charges interior designer in theft investigation

A Novato interior designer made her first court appearance Monday after being accused of stealing from a former client in Strawberry.

The Marin County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges of theft and receiving stolen property against Cesalee Venetta Venema, 43.

Venema, who represented himself in court Monday before Judge Kelly Simmons, has filed a petition to disqualify Simmons from the case. Defendants and prosecutors have the right to disqualify one judge. Venema did not reveal her reason in court.

The case was assigned to Judge Kevin Murphy and arraignment was set for Friday. Venema also requested that a public defender be assigned to her case.

Marin County sheriff’s investigators arrested Venema on Oct. 16 after the former client accused her of stealing property from the home over a five-month period, including $80,000 in jewelry and gift cards. Venema was hired as an interior designer and house organizer, Sheriff’s Sgt. said Adam Schermerhorn.

When the homeowner confronted Venema, she admitted to spending about $5,000 on a gift card and accepting a $200 gift card, but she denied stealing jewelry, Schermerhorn said. He said Venema admitted to taking the victim’s jewelry and gift cards after investigators found them at her home.

Venema was able to leave the Marin County Jail after her arrest while prosecutors investigated the case for possible charges. The prosecutor filed charges on October 18.

Venema could not be reached for comment after her hearing on Monday.

Originally published: November 4, 2024 at 3:55 PM PST