Trial set in Stateline vehicle burglary

A woman accused in the theft of a $25,000 engagement ring from a vehicle in Stateline is denying the charges and is scheduled for trial Sept. 4-6.

Rebekah Yushi Ramos, 34, has yet to appear in person in a Douglas County courtroom, according to prosecutors after she was detained briefly in Stateline in connection with the Jan. 28, 2023, theft at the Hard Rock.

That could change on Aug. 13, after she was ordered to appear for a pretrial hearing in person.

Ramos is pregnant and due later this month, according to a doctor’s letter required by the judge after she appeared virtually for a March hearing.

She is facing charges of grand larceny, principal to burglary of a vehicle and malicious prosecution.

Ramos was one of a trio seen on video pulling up to a vehicle in the parking lot and taking a variety of items including a $3,500 wedding band and a $2,500 camera, in addition to the ring.

The vehicle was a 2014 Lexus registered to her and another man, whom she identified as one of her cohorts. That man, a former boyfriend, had to hire an attorney and provide proof that he wasn’t involved.

The man who was involved was later identified as Ryan William Nicholas, 29, who looks a lot like the man, with the exception of a fish tattoo on his face.

According to court documents, the theft led to an eventful half year for Ramos when the third man, Damien Kucich, 38, was found dead in an Idaho river on May 28, after Ramos and Nicholas were reportedly the last people to see him alive.

Nicholas and Ramos were arrested in Idaho in July 2023 after Nicholas was allegedly spotted using methamphetamine at a carwash in the Lexus, which also contained an estimated $20,000 in silver ingots and coins, according to the court file. He told authorities that Ramos’ father owned a silver mine, but allegedly the silver was stolen from the boyfriend. Nez Perce County deputies also allegedly found the ring on Ramos’ finger. Idaho authorities said they didn’t believe the couple was involved in Kucich’s death.

The engagement ring was returned to the owner.

Ramos is represented by attorney Mary Brown. A warrant has been issued for Nicholas’ arrest.