A California mother-of-three, Michelle Mack, has been accused of orchestrating an organized crime ring that pilfered nearly $8 million worth of cosmetics from retailers like Ulta, T.J. Maxx, and Walgreens. Authorities claim that Mack ran this operation from her lavish mansion in the San Diego foothills, employing up to 12 women to conduct thefts nationwide and then selling the stolen goods at marked-down prices on Amazon. The ring, dubbed the “California Girls,” operated not only in California but also in 10 other states, carrying out hundreds of heists as part of Mack’s elaborate scheme.
In December, police raided Mack’s residence and seized around 10,000 items valued at over $387,000, uncovering what they described as a “mini store” in her garage filled with stolen beauty products, sunglasses, and designer bags. Allegedly, Mack and her husband, along with seven other accused individuals, face 140 felony charges including organized retail theft, grand theft, and receipt of stolen property. Despite the charges, all defendants have pleaded not guilty to the accusations. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the complexity and sophistication of the multimillion-dollar criminal enterprise, highlighting that it was far beyond ordinary shoplifting activities.
Prosecutors disclosed that Mack’s group targeted several high-end retailers such as Sephora, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and LensCrafters, stealing items to resell on Amazon. An Amazon spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s zero-tolerance policy towards stolen goods and expressed satisfaction with the apprehension of the suspects, sending a stern message about the serious consequences of peddling stolen merchandise. Mack’s case sheds light on the growing issue of organized theft rings impacting retailers across the nation, prompting authorities to crack down on such criminal operations to protect businesses and consumers alike.
