A California mother, Michelle Mack, is at the center of allegations involving a sophisticated retail theft ring that reportedly amassed nearly $8 million in stolen goods from various retailers across the country, including over 200 Ulta Beauty stores. The California Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Rob Bonta, has brought to light the scale of this operation, which spanned more than a decade and involved a network of individuals specifically recruited for shoplifting high-value items such as makeup and clothing.
Mack, 53, along with her husband Kenneth Mack and several other accomplices, faces 140 felony charges, including conspiracy to commit organized retail theft and receipt of stolen property. These charges came after law enforcement officials discovered over $300,000 worth of stolen goods in their Bonsall home during a search warrant executed in December 2023.
The alleged scheme saw Mack financing airfares, hotels, and car rentals for up to a dozen women, who would then pilfer goods and send them to Mack’s residence. From there, Mack is accused of selling the stolen items at discounted prices through her Amazon Marketplace storefront. Dubbed the “California Girls” by investigators, this group targeted various outlets nationwide, including LensCrafters, Sephora, and a significant number of Ulta Beauty stores.
Evidence of the operation’s scale was found in Mack’s garage, which investigators described as resembling a “mini store,” stocked with beauty products, designer bags, and sunglasses, alongside hundreds of postmarked envelopes filled with stolen products ready for dispatch to customers.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of organized retail theft and its impact on businesses and consumers alike. Ulta Beauty, in response to the investigation, expressed gratitude towards the California Department of Justice and AG’s Office for their dedication to tackling this pervasive problem. They emphasized the importance of addressing organized retail crime, not only for the safety of store associates and customers but also to prevent potentially unsafe or damaged products from being resold under false pretenses.
Michelle Mack’s arrest and the charges against her and her co-defendants underscore the serious nature of organized retail theft and the concerted efforts by law enforcement to dismantle such operations. As the case progresses, it highlights the need for continued collaboration between retailers and authorities to combat retail crime effectively.