A California mother has been charged with orchestrating a nationwide shoplifting scheme that stole millions of dollars worth of cosmetics and clothing from hundreds of stores over more than a decade, according to the California Department of Justice.
According to a complaint filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a search warrant was served on Dec. 6, 2023, at the Bonsall apartment complex of Michelle Mack, 53, and Kenneth Mack. Dollars worth of cosmetics and other products were discovered.
Mack allegedly went out and stole merchandise and paid for airfare, hotels, and rental cars for up to a dozen women to be shipped to Mack’s homes. Mack then allegedly sold the stolen items at a discount on Amazon’s Marketplace store.
Her group, which investigators have dubbed “California Girls,” operated in more than a dozen states and targeted at least 231 Lenscrafters, Sephora and at least Alta stores, according to NBC San Diego.
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A California mother of three has been charged with being the leader of an organized crime ring that stole nearly $8 million worth of cosmetics and clothing from stores across the United States. (Michelle Mack Facebook account)
Police found what they described as a “mini store” inside Mack’s garage, filled with beauty products, sunglasses and designer bags. Investigators said they also found hundreds of postmarked envelopes filled with stolen items ready to be shipped to customers.
Bonta filed 140 felony charges against Mack, her husband Kenneth, and seven other alleged members of the criminal organization. Charges include organized retail theft, grand theft and conspiracy to receive stolen property.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
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Michelle Mack, 53, ran the sprawling business from her home in the San Diego foothills, authorities said. (California Highway Patrol)
“This was a multi-million dollar criminal scheme. It was complex. It was orchestrated,” Bonta said in a February press release announcing the charges. “We’re not talking about run-of-the-mill shoplifting.”
Bonta said the current loss is calculated at nearly $8 million, but the investigation is ongoing and the total loss could ultimately exceed that amount.
When Bonta was charged, he said, “If you try to take advantage of someone else’s hard work, we will arrest and prosecute you.” “We are dealing with a brazen case of organized retail theft, and we are making it clear that such criminal activity will not be tolerated in California.”
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According to the indictment, Michelle Mack of Bonsall is the ringleader of a national organized crime syndicate that stole about $8 million worth of cosmetics and other products from stores, including hundreds of Ulta Cosmetics stores across the country, and sold them online at Amazon. It is said that it was resold in stores. . (California Highway Patrol)
Court records also revealed incriminating messages exchanged between Mack, her husband, and several other women charged, authorities alleged.
“I’m not stealing regular stuff. I’m going to start filling my bags right away. So I want to know what I can get in bulk, too.”Kimora Lee Gooding Defendant sent Mack a text message on January 7, 2023.
A few days later, Mack texted her husband, saying, “Even without Lancôme, we still made it,” and her husband texted, “We have a lot of orders, so let’s ship them.”
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta has charged Mack, her husband Kenneth Mack, and seven other alleged members of the criminal organization with 140 felonies. (California Highway Patrol)
Prosecutors said Mack’s group owned a variety of retail stores and retailers, including Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Prada, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Luxottica Sunglass Hut and Lens Crafters. He reportedly stole from stores on a regular basis.
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An Ulta Beauty spokesperson told FOX News Digital that they are proud to partner with the California Department of Justice and Attorney General’s Office on this investigation and appreciate their work on this important issue. .
Michelle Mack is accused of running a large-scale retail crime ring that allegedly stole $8 million worth of high-end cosmetics and other luxury goods. (Michelle Mack/Facebook)
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“The rise in organized retail crime is impacting all retailers, consumers and communities, and we believe it is important to take steps to stop the criminals who perpetuate this problem. Organized retail crime not only jeopardizes the safety of employees and customers, but also results in potentially dangerous or damaged products being resold online to consumers under false pretenses. “This will happen,” the spokesperson said. “We continue to work closely with authorities to reduce the incidence of retail theft that impacts not only our stores but retail stores across the country.”
