California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Friday that charges have been filed against the ringleader of an organized retail crime scheme that spanned 21 California counties, including Alameda and Contra Costa, involving an estimated $8 million worth of beauty products. Files have also been files against multiple members of the organized retail crime ring.
“Organized retail crime has significant financial and safety implications for businesses, retailers, and consumers,” said Bonta. “Today, we are addressing an audacious instance of organized retail theft and making it clear that such criminal activity will not be accepted in California. As the leading law enforcement official in our state, my dedication lies in actively pursuing and bringing to justice those who violate the law. Ending crime is a team effort.“
A release issued by the Attorney General’s Office said that the investigation was conducted by the California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service along with Ulta’s Loss Prevention Organized Retail Crime team and Sephora Representatives.
“It is alleged that the ringleader sold the stolen goods on her online Amazon storefront for a fraction of the retail price and recruited many young women to enter makeup stores and commit bulk thefts of specific high-demand makeup products to supply her with inventory for her online store,” read the release. “The suspects responsible for these thefts were caught on surveillance and have been charged in this case as well.”
According to officials, the thefts occurred in Alameda, Placer, Kern, Contra Costa, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, San Diego, Sacramento, San Mateo, Solano, Riverside, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa, Marin, Tulare, San Bernardino, Sonoma, Ventura, and Yolo counties.
Upon a search of the ringleader’s residence, officials said large amounts of makeup product was found stored, organized, and prepped for shipping, still in its manufacturer packaging.
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“Retailers from Ulta and Sephora assisted in conducting inventory of an estimated $400,000 in recovered product during the recent searches of residences,” read the release. “Nationwide loss due to this multi-year theft operation is estimated at over $7.8 million.”
“The strong partnership that exists between law enforcement, prosecutors, and retailers is not just crucial – it’s the foundation in the fight against organized retail crime,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force frequently collaborates with all stakeholders to identify solutions for reducing organized retail theft, identifying current trends, sharing best practices, and share actionable intelligence. This case is the perfect example of collaboration resulting in justice.”
The charges brought against the ringleader and the accomplices, brought by the California Department of Justice, include organized retail theft, conspiracy, receipt of stolen property, and multiple counts of grand theft.