A couple of illegal immigrants, referred to as “Bonnie and Clyde” by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are accused of exploiting the goodwill of strangers by stealing jewelry from elderly victims across four states.
Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, both from Romania, allegedly targeted victims on Long Island and are now in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as announced by DHS on Tuesday.
The duo reportedly committed at least 14 jewelry thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, according to local news cited by DHS.
The necklaces taken were reportedly valued between $2,000 and $3,000 each.
One incident featured what seemed like a harmless request for directions. On October 5, a 73-year-old woman was outside her home in Valley Stream, New York. A gold Mitsubishi pulled up, and the female passenger asked for directions to a nearby BJ’s Wholesale Club.
After providing assistance, the passenger exited the car, requested a hug, and placed two gold-colored necklaces around the victim’s neck, detectives reported.
Not long after, the woman discovered her own gold necklace, worth about $2,000, was missing.
Authorities linked the suspects to other thefts in Franklin Square and East Meadow, and each faces three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.
DHS stated that after the couple was arrested, Nassau County officials handed them over to ICE. Both entered the United States illegally at an unspecified time and place, according to the DHS report.
“This ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ illegal immigrant couple from Romania has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly committing more than a dozen jewelry thefts across four states,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
He emphasized local partnerships in New York for detaining these individuals, stating, “Thanks to local partners in New York, these illegal immigrants are now in ICE custody and will be removed from our country.”
Mullin also criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul and sanctuary policies, claiming they endanger Americans.
“If it were up to sanctuary politicians like Governor Hochul, these criminals would be back on the streets to rob more Americans,” he remarked.
DHS took this opportunity to reiterate its critique of New York’s sanctuary policies, labeling the state a “hotbed of illegal alien crime” under Hochul, and pointing out the “disastrous consequences” these policies have had beyond New York.
This announcement comes after Operation Rotten Apple, an ICE operation from late July to late August, during which 2,197 illegal immigrants were arrested in New York, including individuals described as murderers, rapists, child predators, drug traffickers, and violent offenders.
Initially, Nassau County police issued appearance tickets for the suspects, directing them to court in Hempstead on October 20, although DHS didn’t specify when ICE took them into custody.
The case has led police to issue warnings to the public about distraction scams aimed at elderly individuals. These scams can involve strangers offering jewelry, asking to pray, requesting change, or seeking help with a flat tire.
While the victim is distracted, thieves can quickly remove jewelry from them, police cautioned.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant in parking lots and outside grocery stores, and to report any suspicious behavior by calling 911. Anyone who feels they have been a victim of a similar theft is encouraged to reach out to Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
