Woman faces charges of posing as Ameren employee in metro-east burglary scam

A woman has been charged in connection with a burglary scheme in which suspects go door-to-door posing as Ameren employees and then steal “valuable and priceless” possessions, including jewelry, from predominantly elderly victims in Illinois and Missouri.

Christina Chanel Costello, 33, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, has not been arrested but was charged in two burglaries in the case, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Last week, the sheriff’s office warned people about a man and woman posing as Ameren employees over the past few months.

“A female suspect makes contact with the victim and identifies herself as an Ameren employee who needs to survey the back yard for limbs in need of trimming,” according to a news release. “While the victim is distracted, the male suspect enters the home and steals jewelry and other items.”

Costello was charged with two felony counts of residential burglary for her role in the incidents that occurred in the 700 block of Oakwood Avenue in East Alton on May 28 and the 100 block of Hilltop Place in Collinsville on May 30, according to court records.

Investigators obtained Costello’s identity from Missouri law-enforcement agencies investigating the same type of scam, according to a Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office petition to have Costello held in jail before her trial.

The victims in East Alton and Collinsville were shown a lineup and identified Costello as the person who posed as an Ameren employee, according to the petition.

The sheriff’s office said the case is ongoing as investigators continue to serve search warrants and follow leads to find everyone involved in the scheme.

“Please remain vigilant and do not allow unknown or suspicious subjects onto your property or into your homes,” a news release states.