(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured a five-year and four-month prison sentence for organized retail crime ringleader Michelle Mack. Mack and her husband, Kenneth, pleaded guilty in June 2024 to charges of grand theft and conspiracy. Mack has been convicted of organized retail theft, conspiracy, receipt of stolen property and multiple counts of grand theft.
Kenneth Mack was sentenced at that time to serve one year in prison and then serve out the rest of his sentence as probation with community service. Mack’s sentence will only be served after Kenneth is released to ensure their children are cared for.
The couple, based out of San Diego, recruited at least 12 women to shoplift high-end and high demand beauty products in bulk from Sephora and Ulta and then sold those products on their Amazon storefront for a fraction of the retail price. This scheme resulted in a national loss of about $8 million.
The crimes spread across 21 California counties including Alameda, Placer, 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.
“This sentencing is a win for businesses, retailers, and consumers in the fight against organized retail crime in California,” Bonta said. “The robust collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, and retailers serves as the cornerstone in the battle against organized retail crime which has significant financial and safety implications. Today’s announcement proves that such criminal activity will not be tolerated 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.”
Surveillance showed the individuals stealing the products from the stores and a search of the Macks’ residence found large amounts of beauty products that were stored, organized and ready for shipping – still in the manufacturers packaging. Retailers from Sephora and Ulta calculated that the recovered product amounted to about $400,000.
As a part of the plea deal the Macks have forfeited all property and assets seized as a part of the investigation including their multi-million dollar home located in Bonsall, California. The home has been sold and the proceeds will be used to pay victim restitution. Additionally, the Macks owe $3 million in restitution.