Accident – Death – Obituary News : A California mom, Michelle Mack, has been accused of being the mastermind behind a nationwide shoplifting organization that operated for over a decade, stealing millions of dollars worth of makeup and clothing from various stores across the country. The 53-year-old allegedly funded airfare, hotel accommodations, and car rentals for a team of up to twelve operatives, who would then send the stolen goods to her home in Bonsall. The items were then sold at discounted prices through a front company on Amazon Marketplace.
The group, known as the ‘California Girls’ by investigators, targeted popular retailers such as LensCrafters, Sephora, and at least 231 Ulta stores. During a 5 am raid on her $3 million home, police discovered a ‘mini-store’ of stolen goods valued at $350,000. Authorities fear that the total losses to retailers may have exceeded $8 million.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that those who try to profit off of other people’s hard work will be arrested and prosecuted. The investigation into Mack’s operation spanned over two years, starting with the arrest of two shoplifters at an Ulta store on the East Coast. One of the suspects revealed that she was working for a woman in California who provided her with a list of targeted stores and the prices she would pay for stolen items.
Further evidence against Mack was uncovered when investigators found that she ran a retail outlet on Amazon called Online Makeup Store, offering discounted items that hinted at illegal fencing activities. Amazon records showed that the operation had generated sales of $8 million since 2012, with nearly $2 million in sales in 2022 alone.
Mack’s husband, Kenneth Mack, has also been charged alongside his wife and seven alleged operatives. One of the accused, Alina Franco, reportedly had $67,000 worth of stolen beauty products at her home in Colton, San Bernardino, when police raided her residence on the same day. Franco denied multiple felony counts during a court appearance on February 27.
The Attorney General’s office highlighted the sophistication and planning involved in the crimes, indicating a level of professionalism within the organization. The charges against the accused individuals reflect the severity of their actions and the significant impact on the retail industry. Authorities are committed to holding those responsible for organized retail theft accountable for their actions.
Woman Denies Multiple Felony Counts in Court Appearance
On February 27, a woman appeared in court where she denied multiple felony counts, including conspiracy to commit organized retail theft. The incident took place in northern San Diego County, where investigators raided her 4,500 square foot mansion on December 6. The woman, identified as Mack, along with her husband Kenneth and seven others from their alleged gang, faced a total of 140 charges.
Allegations of Leadership Role and Organized Crime
Authorities claim that Mack ‘induced others to participate in the commission of the crime or occupied a position of leadership or dominance of other participants in its commission’. Upon entering the mansion, investigators found hundreds of parcels prepped for shipment, which were intended to be mailed at the local Post Office.
Charges and Impact of Organized Retail Crime
The charges against Mack and her accomplices include 136 felony counts of grand theft, two counts of receiving stolen property, one count of conspiracy, and one count of organized retail crime. The National Retail Federation estimates that retailers lost £40.5 billion to shoplifters in 2022, with a significant portion attributed to organized crime groups.
Increased Scrutiny and Ongoing Investigation
The number of cases brought against organized theft groups by Homeland Security Investigations more than tripled from 59 to 199 between 2021 and 2022. Ulta vice-president Dan Petrousek highlighted the impact of organized retail crime on retailers, consumers, and communities, emphasizing the safety risks and financial implications.
Property Sale and Future Developments
Mack’s luxurious property, featuring a swimming pool, four-car garage, and 31-acre vineyard, is now listed for sale at £2.75 million following a £200,000 price reduction. California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed that the investigation into the organized crime operation is ongoing, suggesting that the scope of the criminal activities may be more extensive than initially believed.
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