Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the sentencing of Michelle Mack, the leader of an organized retail crime ring that operated across 21 California counties. The scheme involved the theft of beauty products worth approximately $8 million. The investigation was a joint effort by several agencies including the California Department of Justice (DOJ), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and representatives from Ulta and Sephora.

“This sentencing is a win for businesses, retailers, and consumers in the fight against organized retail crime in California,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “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.”

Mack and her husband recruited young women to steal high-demand makeup products from stores. These items were then sold on their Amazon storefront at reduced prices. Surveillance footage captured these thefts, and searches of Mack's residence revealed large quantities of stolen makeup prepared for shipment. Retailers helped inventory about $400,000 worth of recovered goods during these searches.

Charges were filed against eight individuals on February 16, 2024, in San Diego Superior Court. Michelle Mack pleaded guilty on June 17, 2024, and received a sentence of five years and four months in state prison as of January 9, 2025. As part of their plea agreement, the Macks forfeited assets including their home in Bonsall, California to pay victim restitution totaling $3 million.

The thefts occurred across numerous counties including Alameda, Placer, Kern, Contra Costa, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, San Diego, Sacramento, San Mateo, Solano, Riverside, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa Marin Tulare San Bernadino Sonoma Ventura Yolo.