Handyman stole jewelry and electronics from seniors in Gig Harbor, deputies say

GIG HARBOR, Wash. -- Investigators are searching for a man who they say is responsible for stealing and reselling thousands of dollars of jewelry from senior citizens in Gig Harbor.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, the suspect was employed as a handyman at a senior housing development. He was fired in April of 2016 after a resident discovered the suspect inside her home with no explanation. After his firing, many victims came forward to report they had jewelry stolen.

Deputies say Russell Grover and his girlfriend Adrienne VanArsdale pawned the stolen items for cash. Grover is wanted for one count of residential burglary and four counts of trafficking stolen property.

Detectives say Grover would wait until residents left their homes and then steal jewelry and electronics, including a gold and pearl cross from a rosary that was on one of the last boats to go through immigration at Ellis Island.

Investigators believe they are responsible for the resale of $33,000 worth of jewelry from victims between age 75 and 92.  Deputies say say there may be more victims.

Russell Grover is a white male, 33 years old, 5’8”, 155 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes. Adrienne VanArsdale is a white female, 33 years old, 5’1”, 120 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes.