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Sunday, December 22, 2024

Eight convicted for $1.7 million luxury goods 'smash-and-grab' spree

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Attorney General Rob Bonta | Official website

Attorney General Rob Bonta | Official website

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the sentencing of eight individuals involved in a series of "smash and grab" robberies at high-end retail stores across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. The crimes, committed between May 11, 2023, and August 23, 2023, resulted in losses exceeding $1.7 million. The victims included Nordstrom, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Magnolia Park.

“I am committed to bringing the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense; it was a dangerous, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities.”

Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton emphasized that the guilty pleas and prison sentences send a clear message against organized retail crime. “The diligent work of the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force and collaboration with the State of California's Department of Justice have brought justice and safety to our neighborhoods,” he stated.

Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid assured that such crimes will not be tolerated in Glendale. He acknowledged the support from partner agencies like the Attorney General’s Office and Los Angeles Police Department in addressing these issues.

The sentenced individuals are:

- Jordan Harris: Pled guilty to carjacking and two counts of grand theft from YSL in Glendale and Nordstrom at Topanga Canyon mall; sentenced to 10 years 4 months.

- Kip Henry: Pled guilty to robbery at Nordstrom in Topanga Canyon mall and grand theft from Newport Beach Louis Vuitton; sentenced to 7 years 4 months.

- Devon Perry: Pled guilty to two counts of grand theft from Burberry Outlet in Riverside and Nordstrom at Topanga Canyon mall; sentenced to 5 years 4 months.

- Ziona Famoso: Pled guilty to robbery at Nordstrom at Topanga Canyon mall and two counts of grand theft from Glendale YSL and Newport Beach Louis Vuitton; sentenced to 4 years 4 months.

- Alana Hart: Pled guilty to assault with force likely to commit great bodily injury and grand theft at Burberry Outlet in Riverside; sentenced to 4 years.

- Travelle Hamblet: Pled guilty to robbery at Nordstrom in Topanga Canyon mall; sentenced to 4 years.

- Jason Smith: Pled guilty to carjacking; sentenced to 3 years.

- Briana Jimenez: Pled guilty to robbery at YSL in Glendale; sentenced to one year custody plus felony probation.

- Ivan Ramirez pled guilty but will be sentenced later.

The case was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies including LAPD’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, Glendale Police Department, Burbank Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Newport Beach Police Department, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. A twenty-five count felony complaint was filed against nine defendants.

DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section is handling prosecution while arrests were made by LAPD along with Riverside County Sheriff's Office and Glendale PD. The Attorney General encourages public tips on retail theft via oag.ca.gov/retail-theft.

A copy of the criminal complaint is available here.

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