A mother of three from California is facing serious charges after allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated criminal network that stole cosmetics and beauty products worth almost $8 million from major retailers such as Ulta, T.J. Maxx, and Walgreens. She then reportedly sold the stolen goods online at a profit.
Michelle Mack, age 53, was leading a sprawling enterprise from her 4,500-square-foot mansion worth $2.75 million in the San Diego foothills, according to authorities.
According to NBC San Diego, authorities have alleged that Mack paid around 12 women to steal merchandise from stores across the country. She then sold these stolen goods on her Amazon storefront at a significantly lower price than their retail value.
According to CNBC, investigators have revealed that a criminal gang known as the “California Girls” has committed hundreds of thefts across California as well as in 10 other states, including Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Texas. The group operated under the direction of a leader named Mack, and they were known to travel frequently up and down the California coast.
Mack would allegedly make the orders, giving them each a list and the girls would target retailers including Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret.
140 felony charges were filed against Mack and her husband, as well as seven other members believed to be involved with the crime ring, all of whom pleaded not guilty.
