Utah woman accused of stealing $30k in gold coins

Kimberley Lynn Vanderlinden, 50, was arrested in St. George, Utah, after allegedly stealing gold coins and rings from her roommate and selling the coins for more than $30,200 [3]. She faces charges including second-degree felony theft, following an investigation that revealed the sale of the precious metals to local dealers [3].

Key takeaways

• Kimberley Vanderlinden, 50, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree felony theft in St. George, Utah [3].
• She allegedly stole seven gold coins and four rings, selling the coins for a total of $30,200 [3].
• Vanderlinden claimed she had an "issue with sleepwalking," but a friend told police they never observed this behavior [3].
• The stolen rings were found in a briefcase labeled "vault" in her room by her roommates [3].

Alleged theft and coin sales

According to an affidavit, Vanderlinden allegedly opened her roommate's locked office desk to steal seven gold coins, along with four rings taken from a vanity and a locked cabinet [3]. The roommates, one of whom is Vanderlinden's landlord, conducted a search of her room and discovered the rings inside a small briefcase labeled "vault" [3]. When confronted, Vanderlinden reportedly stated she could not recall taking the items, attributing the incident to an "issue with sleepwalking" [3]. The affidavit, however, argued that it would be highly improbable for someone to selectively target high-value items of great sentimental and monetary worth while sleepwalking [3].

Surveillance footage played a key role in the investigation, reportedly capturing Vanderlinden selling six of the gold coins to a coin company on April 30 for $25,860 [3]. She was allegedly seen again on May 13 selling a single coin for $4,370, bringing the total sales to more than $30,200 [3]. Authorities later located the gold coins at a local fine metals shop, though the items had already been sold [3]. When questioned by officers, Vanderlinden claimed the coins were inherited from her grandfather and held no value [3].

Disputed sleepwalking defense

Vanderlinden suggested a friend could verify her sleepwalking condition, but police interviews with that individual revealed no knowledge of such behavior despite living together for two years [3]. The affidavit noted that the friend stated she "did not observe Kimberley ever sleepwalking, nor was she aware of it being an issue" [3]. Vanderlinden was booked into the Washington County Jail, having also been arrested days prior on suspicion of second-degree felony burglary and third-degree felony theft [3].

Why it matters

This case illustrates how investigators utilize surveillance footage and witness testimony to challenge suspect explanations during theft investigations. Vanderlinden remains in custody at the Washington County Jail facing felony charges, and the investigation continues into the specific circumstances of the alleged burglary and theft [3].