Authorities have accused a California mom of masterminding a nationwide organized crime ring. According to reports, the scheme stole nearly $8 million worth of makeup from stores like Ulta, T.J. Maxx, and Walgreens. The ring also reportedly resold the stolen items online to make a profit.
California authorities claim that 53-year-old Michelle Mack ran the sprawling enterprise from her shared home with her husband, Kenneth Mack. Mack allegedly paid as many as twelve women to steal from stores nationwide, stockpiling the hot goods.
Afterward, according to authorities, she sold them on her Amazon storefront at a fraction of the retail price. The crime ring, dubbed the “California Girls,” traveled up and down the California coast and to ten other states. Some of the states include Texas, Florida, Massachusetts and Ohio.
Investigators say the women traveled to these states to carry out hundreds of thefts on Mack’s orders. According to NBC San Diego, the ring also targeted outlets like LensCrafters, Sephora, and at least 231 Ulta stores. Mack’s alleged crime ring was just one of many plaguing the country.
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According to Homeland Security investigators, retailers are scrambling to combat billions of dollars lost due to theft annually. After raiding Mack’s Spanish-style estate in December 2023, police recovered nearly 10,000 items worth over $387,000.
In addition, they uncovered what they described as a “mini store.” According to investigators, Mack’s garage was teeming with beauty products, sunglasses, and designer bags. Also, they discovered hundreds of postmarked envelopes stuffed with stolen products ready to be sent out to customers.
Afterward, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed 140 felony charges against Mack and her syndicate. The defendants include her husband, Kenneth Mack, and seven other alleged members of the crime ring. According to court documents, the charges include conspiracy to commit organized retail theft.
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They also include grand theft and receipt of stolen property. However, the defendants have pleaded not guilty. “This is a multimillion-dollar criminal scheme. It was complex. It was orchestrated,” Bonta said in announcing the charges. We are not talking about garden-variety shoplifting.”
Furthermore, Bonta noted that while the current losses are nearly $8 million, the investigation is ongoing. Therefore, he said the total loss might exceed that amount. “If you try to make an easy buck off of other people’s hard work,” Bonta said. “We will arrest you and prosecute you.”
“We are addressing an audacious instance of organized retail theft,” Bonta added. “And making it clear that such criminal activity will not stand in California.” Besides the “mini store,” court records revealed incriminating texts between Mack, her husband, and the other defendants.
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“I’m not stealing regular; I’m going to start filling up my bag quick,” one of the defendants texted Mack on January 7, 2023. So I want to know stuff I can grab in bulk, too.” Mack texted her husband days later, “Even without Lancome, we still did well.” In response, he messaged her, “Lots of orders, let’s get shipping.”
Also, in July 2023, Mack texted Alina Franco, another defendant in the case. “Did you get some new girls?” Mack asked. “I really need product, so if you have anything, please let me know.”
Following the arrests, an Ulta Beauty spokesperson thanked the state authorities and noted that the company is proud to partner with the California Attorney General’s Office on the investigation.
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