Handyman Charged with Stealing $4,500 Ring From Home Safe

When a $4,500 ring went missing from a Minnetonka homeowner's safe, clues led police to a handyman who had been working at the residence.

On Jan. 22, Leon Williams, 49, with an unknown Minnesota address, was charged with one count of burglary in the second degree, a felony.

On Nov. 1, officers took a burglary report at a Hideaway Trail residence in Minnetonka. The homeowner reported that a ring valued at $4,500 was missing from a safe.

Officers were informed that a handyman had recently been hired to do some work in the home. He had been on site working for several weeks, but on the day of the burglary had stopped showing up. 

The homeowner came home to find the front door ajar and pry marks on the latch of the door. Williams had been paid cash from the safe.

Detectives ran the Williams' name through the Automated Pawn System database and learned he pawned a ring matching the description of the victim’s property at a Pawn America store.

Detectives spoke to Williams by phone, at which time he allegedly admitted stealing and pawning the ring.