House cleaner theft case expands in Cape Coral after new victim comes forward

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A Cape Coral house cleaner has been arrested after he was accused of stealing from clients and pawning their belongings.

David Close, owner of Larry's Estate Jewelry and Pawn Shop on Cape Coral Parkway, said Donald Claybaugh was a frequent customer who initially pawned tools and later reportedly began bringing in jewelry.

"He's a normal guy, he's been a frequent customer, you know, only pawns tools, and then he started bringing in jewelry. We always question where people get it, he always said it was his aunt's," Close said.

Police said Claybaugh pawned stolen items at Close's shop.

"Never had problems with him before, but I guess he started bringing in other people's items, and we didn't know," Close said.

In March, a homeowner reported jewelry missing after hiring Claybaugh as a house cleaner. Initially, the victim did not want to press charges, but that changed after the jewelry was found at the pawn shop.

"She came in and identified something in the case, and we went through our system and found everything that was left in the shop, and we pretty much gave it back to her. We did our best to get our stuff back. She was very happy," Close said.

Police arrested Claybaugh last week following the investigation.

On May 19, officers responded to another report of theft in southeast Cape Coral. The victim alleged that between May 2024 and February 2025, Claybaugh reportedly stole cash from a bedroom while cleaning the home. The victim confirmed the theft after marking currency and confronting Claybaugh.

"We've seen him in a lot of different people's houses. I think he was cleaning for the price of $50, which, a lot of people probably would be interested to take him up on, but he was taking that $50 and making a lot more from that," said Mercedes Simonds of the Cape Coral Police Department.

Close advised people to be cautious when hiring workers.

"People need to be more vigilant on who they're hiring," Close said.

Cape Coral police believe there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone affected to report the crime.

Claybaugh is facing a charge of grand theft and remains in custody at the Lee County Jail.

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