A glamorous suburban housewife is accused of masterminding a nationwide shoplifting ring dubbed the “California Women” that stole $8 million value of magnificence merchandise, RadarOnline.com has realized.
Michelle Mack, 53, who was taken into custody on Dec. 6 is believed to have recruited a minimum of 12 girls to steal from shops throughout the nation, stockpiling large model objects from shops like Ulta, T.J. Maxx and Walgreens after which promoting them by way of her Amazon storefront for a steep low cost.
Prosecutors say she ran the sprawling enterprise from her $2.75 million, 4,500-square-foot mansion within the San Diego foothills.
Mack would allegedly make the orders, giving them every a listing and the ladies would goal retailers together with Tub & Physique Works and Victoria’s Secret.
The suspected ringleader’s alleged accomplices generally mailed stolen items to a Bonsall submit workplace, it’s believed.
Greater than $300,000 value of make-up and different well-known merchandise have been present in Michelle and her husband Kenneth Mack‘s shared Bonsall dwelling when a search warrant was executed on Dec. 6, 2023, in accordance with the criticism filed by the California Lawyer Normal.
Video captured that day confirmed Mack cuffed in pink loungewear on the early morning of her arrest, in addition to her husband being apprehended and escorted right into a squad automobile.
AG Rob Bonta filed 140 felony costs towards Mack and her husband, in addition to seven different members believed to be concerned with the crime ring, all of whom pleaded not responsible.
The fees embody conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, grand theft, and receipt of stolen property.
“Organized retail crime has vital monetary and security implications for companies, retailers and shoppers,” Bonta mentioned in an announcement. “Right this moment, we’re addressing an audacious occasion of organized retail theft and making it clear that such legal exercise is not going to be accepted in California.”
Bonta additionally firmly said, “When you attempt to make a simple buck off of different folks’s onerous work, we are going to arrest you and prosecute you.”