In a shocking revelation, a California mom has been accused of masterminding a nationwide shoplifting scheme that targeted hundreds of stores over a period of more than a decade. According to the California Department of Justice, Michelle Mack, 53, allegedly orchestrated a criminal operation that stole millions of dollars' worth of makeup and clothing, with Ulta among the most heavily targeted stores.

A complaint filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta details how over $300,000 worth of stolen makeup and other products were discovered in Michelle Mack and her husband Kenneth Mack's shared Bonsall home during a search warrant execution on December 6, 2023. Mack is believed to have financed airfares, hotels, and car rentals for a group of around a dozen women, who would then go out and steal merchandise before sending it to Mack's home. The stolen products were then allegedly sold at discounted prices on Mack's Amazon Marketplace storefront.

The group, dubbed the "California Girls" by investigators, operated across more than a dozen states, targeting well-known outlets such as LensCrafters, Sephora, and at least 231 Ulta stores. The extent of their operations became apparent when police discovered a "mini store" inside Mack's garage, filled with beauty products, sunglasses, and designer bags. Additionally, authorities found hundreds of postmarked envelopes containing stolen products, ready to be shipped out to unsuspecting customers.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta wasted no time taking action, filing a total of 140 felony charges against Michelle Mack, her husband Kenneth, and seven other alleged members of the criminal ring. The charges include conspiracy to commit organized retail theft, grand theft, and receipt of stolen property. Bonta emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, stating that this was not your typical shoplifting case, but rather a complex and orchestrated multimillion-dollar criminal scheme.

According to Bonta, the losses incurred by retailers so far are estimated to be nearly $8 million. However, the investigation is ongoing, and there is a possibility that the final loss figure could exceed this amount. Bonta issued a strong message to criminals, stating that anyone attempting to profit from the hard work of others would be arrested and prosecuted, making it clear that such activities will not be tolerated in California.

Investigation records also revealed incriminating text messages exchanged between Michelle Mack, her husband, and some of the other women involved. One defendant, Kimora Lee Gooding, texted Mack about her intentions to steal in bulk, to which Mack responded positively. Texts between the couple later discussed their successful operations and shipping of stolen goods.

Prosecutors revealed that Mack's group targeted a wide range of retailers including Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Prada, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Luxottica's Sunglass Hut, and LensCrafters. Ulta Beauty, one of the affected retailers, expressed gratitude toward the California Department of Justice and the Attorney General's Office for their commitment to tackling organized retail crime. They acknowledged that such crimes not only jeopardize the safety of store associates and customers but also result in potentially unsafe or damaged products being resold online.

As this complex case unfolds, it serves as a reminder to retailers and consumers alike of the ongoing issue of organized retail theft. Authorities and retailers will continue to collaborate closely to combat this problem and ensure the safety and security of their stores and customers nationwide.