Nearly $8 million in losses reported from nationwide theft ring operated out of California
San Diego, California – A woman from San Diego County has been arrested for allegedly running a sophisticated retail theft ring that targeted stores across the United States and resulted in nearly $8 million in losses. The California Attorney General’s Office revealed the charges on Friday, shedding light on a near-decade-long scheme that mainly targeted high-demand makeup items from popular retailers like Ulta and Sephora.
The unnamed defendant is accused of managing a network of shoplifters to steal products from various stores, which were then sold through her online Amazon storefront at substantially reduced prices. This extensive operation spanned from the West Coast to the East Coast, hitting stores in 21 California counties, including Alameda, Placer, Kern, Contra Costa, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, San Diego, Sacramento, San Mateo, Solano, Riverside, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa, Marin, Tulare, San Bernardino, Sonoma, Ventura, and Yolo.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighted the widespread impact of these thefts, emphasizing that the crimes not only spanned a vast geographical area but also led to significant financial losses for the targeted retailers. With the investigation still underway, Bonta mentioned that the nearly $8 million in current losses could climb even higher.
During the course of the investigation, officials managed to recover an estimated $400,000 worth of stolen products. The legal response to this organized crime has been robust, with 140 counts filed against nine defendants. These charges encompass 136 felony counts of grand theft, two counts of receiving stolen property, one count of conspiracy, and one count of organized retail crime.
Attorney General Bonta’s statement underscored the serious consequences of organized retail crime, not just in financial terms but also regarding the safety implications for businesses, retailers, and consumers alike. He made it clear that California is committed to combating such criminal activities, stating, “Today, we are addressing an audacious instance of organized retail theft and making it clear that such criminal activity will not be accepted in California.”
