PORTSMOUTH undefined A house cleaner who police say admitted to cleaning out a homeowner's jewelry box has hired a lawyer and is now maintaining her innocence.

Bonnie Colotti, 55, of 36 Exeter Farms Road, Exeter, appeared Monday in Portsmouth District Court for arraignment on a felony count of theft. She was accompanied by attorney Stephen Gaige and entered a plea of not guilty.

Police allege she was hired to clean a city home and while there, stole nine pieces of gold jewelry. According to an affidavit by Officer Laura Catabriga, the homeowner reported $5,000 to $6,000 worth of jewelry stolen from a jewelry box hidden in a bedroom closet. The officer also reported finding evidence that Colotti pawned the stolen jewelry at the Fox Run Mall for $635 and when confronted, made an immediate confession.

"She said she was sorry for taking the jewelry, but times were tough and she was broke," according to the police report.

On Monday, Colotti's bail was maintained at $5,000 personal recognizance, and she was scheduled to return to the court for a Nov. 30 probable cause hearing.