ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A woman is believed to be on the run days after she allegedly posed as a utility worker and robbed another woman’s home in west St. Louis County.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Christina Costello, 33, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, with stealing ($750 or more) and second-degree burglary in connection with the investigation.

Costello is accused of a robbing a home in the 300 block of Morewood Drive in the City of Manchester on April 27.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, a woman (later identified as Costello) came to the victim’s home and told her she “worked for a tree service company” and “was contracted with Ameren UE.”

Costello reportedly told the victim that she needed to look at trees near powerline in the victim’s backyard. After that, the victim left her front door unlocked and accompanied Costello outside for a time.

Some time later, the victim returned inside her home and noticed something suspicious. A clock that sits on top of her jewelry box had been moved and that at several high-value pieces of jewelry were missing.

The victim told police that Costello had arrived in a white minivan and exited and entered her vehicle from the front passenger side.

Court documents allege that Costello and other suspects are “under investigation for similar thefts in the area.” Documents also state that Costello had rented a white Chrysler Pacifica minivan in Indiana that was later found abandoned in St. Louis County.

Investigators believe Costello is “actively avoiding law enforcement,” per court documents. It’s unclear how many others may be linked to the burglary on Morewood Drive or similar crimes.

Following this reported incident, an Ameren Communications spokesperson shared the following information with FOX 2 as tips for customers to consider:

  • Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment with Ameren or the person has proper identification. Customers call always call Ameren to verify.
  • Ameren employees always carry photo identification, which includes name, employee number and an official Ameren logo.
  • A logo on a shirt does not count as identification.
  • If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000, Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 or local law enforcement.