A California mom has been accused of leading a nationwide shoplifting scheme that targeted hundreds of stores and stole millions of dollars worth of makeup and clothing over a span of more than a decade. Michelle Mack, 53, allegedly orchestrated the operation, known as the ‘California Girls’, which operated in more than a dozen states across the country.
According to a complaint filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, authorities discovered more than $300,000 worth of stolen products in Mack’s home when a search warrant was executed. The investigation also revealed a “mini store” inside Mack’s garage, filled with a plethora of beauty products, sunglasses, and designer bags. Additionally, hundreds of postmarked envelopes containing stolen goods were found, ready to be sent out to customers.
Bonta filed 140 felony charges against Mack, her husband Kenneth, and seven other alleged members of the crime ring. The charges include conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, grand theft, and receipt of stolen property. However, all the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
“This is a multimillion-dollar criminal scheme. It was complex. It was orchestrated,” said Bonta in a press release. He emphasized that this was not your typical shoplifting case, but rather an audacious instance of organized retail theft. Bonta vowed to crack down on such criminal activities and warned that those who try to profit from other people’s hard work will be arrested and prosecuted.
The investigation revealed that Mack’s group targeted a wide range of retailers, including LensCrafters, Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Prada, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Luxottica’s Sunglass Hut, and LensCrafters. The stolen goods were allegedly sold at discounted prices on Mack’s Amazon Marketplace storefront.
The impact of organized retail crime extends beyond the retailers themselves. A spokesperson for Ulta Beauty expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the California Department of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office in tackling this issue. They emphasized that organized retail crime not only jeopardizes the safety of store associates and customers but also leads to the sale of potentially unsafe or damaged products online, deceiving unsuspecting consumers.
As the investigation continues, the total loss from this sophisticated criminal operation may surpass the current estimate of nearly $8 million. The charges against Mack and her alleged accomplices serve as a stern warning that California will not tolerate such brazen acts of theft and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
