CANTON, Mich. – A woman who advertised her pet-sitting services on social media is now facing felony charges for allegedly stealing from her clients.
Michelle Amo appeared in court Thursday (May 7) via Zoom, where she was arraigned on two felony counts of larceny in a building.
According to court documents, Amo is accused of stealing jewelry and comic books from one client and jewelry from another.
“She’s taken advantage of people’s trust,” a Northville police officer said during the virtual hearing.
One victim from Canton, who spoke by phone to Local 4, said she hired Amo about a year and a half ago after seeing her services posted on Facebook. Amo watched her anxiety-ridden dog during that time, the woman said.
In February, the client noticed a piece of jewelry was missing.
Last week, she realized more items were gone, including a necklace with a diamond that once belonged to her grandmother.
The woman reported the theft to the police.
That woman said Amo pawned the items, but she later retrieved them.
“I was quite shocked,” said Amanda Mazloum, owner of Canton Tails and Bales, a local dog daycare. She said hearing what happened to Amo’s clients is disheartening but not surprising, given the access in-home sitters have.
“When people come into your home, there’s a lot of trust,” Mazloum said. “You have to know the people you’re giving access to your home, access to your belongings, alarm codes.”
Mazloum advises pet owners to use established facilities with trained staff when possible and avoid a pet sitter.
If they prefer or need a sitter, she recommends running a background check, checking multiple references, and locking valuables in a safe.
Court records show Amo was on probation when she was accused of stealing from her clients.
Something one of the victims said she did not know when she hired her.
A judge set Amo’s bond at $5,000 unsecured; she was ordered to wear a tracker.
She is scheduled to return to court next Friday.
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