I just got my copy of Flies for Bass and Panfish by Stewart and Allen
not too long ago so I thought I might post some quotes from it since
Rick is under the weather for a day or two. I am doing the same thing on the Warmwater Angler group. Rick can let me know in a post when he wants to take over again. If you folks don't want me to post them, let me know and I'll stop.

"The Thief is a dark variation of the Muddler Minnow that Dan Gapen
developed for bass and crappie fishing in northern Minnesota. Dan is
the son of Don Gapen who originated the Muddler Minnow (which see).
The Thief uses the proven Muddler profile, darkens the overall
appearance and adds a chenille head that sinks more readily than deer
hair. The pattern seems to work best in murky, discolored water."

Flies for Bass and Panfish, p.51
By Dick Stewart and Farrow Allen