Woman Accused of Using Fake Story to Lure Victims and Steal Money
A 33-year-old woman named Gilda Cranberry Miller has been accused of using a fabricated story about her child needing insulin to lure victims into her vehicle and steal hundreds of dollars on the North Side of Chicago. The incidents involved a disturbing escalation, with Miller’s 12-year-old daughter joining in by physically attacking one of the victims.
The first robbery took place on December 2 in the 3800 block of West Belmont Avenue. The victim was approached by Miller while walking on Kedzie Avenue. Miller claimed she needed money to buy insulin for her daughter and offered to take the victim to a bank to withdraw cash. Despite the victim’s initial refusal, he eventually withdrew $500 from an ATM and handed it over to Miller. When he asked for the money back, a physical struggle ensued, during which Miller’s daughter punched the victim.
Miller and the driver of the vehicle attempted to forcibly remove the victim from the car but ultimately returned $120 to him before driving off. The victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Miller’s identification and subsequent arrest.
Two days later, Miller used the same tactic to steal $240 from another victim in the 4400 block of North Pulaski Road. A detective recognized Miller from a bulletin and she was apprehended by CPD officers.
During questioning, Miller admitted to using the false story about her daughter needing insulin to deceive multiple victims in similar incidents. She has been charged with robbery and theft by deception and was ordered to be detained by Judge John Hock.
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