A Pennsylvania couple's vacation turned into a legal nightmare when they returned home to find their property in disarray and thousands of dollars worth of valuables missing. John and Kathryn Dorsey filed a complaint on February 1, 2025, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Madelyn Novick, who they had hired to care for their home and pets during their absence.
The Dorseys allege that they hired Novick through the "Nextdoor" app due to her experience as a medical technician, entrusting her with the keys to their Gibsonia residence from September 28 to October 1, 2023. Upon returning, they discovered their living room furniture displaced, cigarette butts scattered outside, drug paraphernalia inside, and numerous personal items stolen. The list of missing items includes high-value jewelry such as a Tiffany teardrop pendant and a white gold ring with a pear-shaped diamond, totaling $15,283.60 in losses.
According to the complaint, Novick violated the agreement by inviting her boyfriend, Carmine Laughlin Jr., over without permission. During an interview with police on October 5, 2023, Novick admitted seeing a blue Tiffany box in the car she left in with Laughlin but denied taking any items herself. She later claimed that Laughlin confessed to stealing most of the valuables. Despite returning some items through her attorney on November 30, 2023, these were either fake or held little financial value.
The Dorseys accuse Novick of conversion—wrongfully taking or allowing others to take their property—and gross negligence for failing to maintain the property's condition as agreed. They seek compensatory and punitive damages for the stolen goods and associated distress.
Represented by Anthony J. Werner from Anderson & Labovitz LLC, the plaintiffs are determined to hold Novick accountable for her alleged actions. The case is under Judge Swan's jurisdiction with Case ID NRP230011408.