Robert De Niro's Housekeeper Pleads Not Guilty  7/30/05

A housekeeper accused of stealing items belonging to Candice Bergen and Robert DeNiro's wife has pleaded not guilty to charges pressed against her.

Lucyna Turyk-Wawrynowicz, 35, remained silent yesterday (29JUL05) as her lawyer entered the plea in Manhattan, New York's state Supreme Court.

The housekeeper allegedly stole from at least three of her employers, who included DeNiro and Bergen, over the past four years. Yesterday, prosecutors said two more victims have come forward, but did not elaborate.

The indictment identified the theft victims as DeNiro's wife, Grace Hightower, as well as Bergen and Renee Rockefeller. Also listed was high-end department store Barney's, where the defendant allegedly made unauthorized credit card purchases.

Among the items allegedly found at Turyk-Wawrynowicz's home are a set of $95,000 diamond earrings and a suede jacket which cost $1,000.

Turyk-Wawrynowicz was arrested last month (JUN05) and later indicted on charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, forgery and coercion.