More than 27 felony charges were filed against three individuals by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday due to their alleged involvement in a retail crime ring that operated throughout Southern California.
According to the investigation, the individuals committed crimes in Santa Clara, Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Alameda, and San Jose counties. They targeted upscale retailers and caused losses over $300,000.
The California Department of Justice announced that Isaiah Abdullah, 26, Ishmael Baptist, 25, and Nickolas Mallory, 26, had been charged with grand theft, robbery, and organized retail theft.
According to Bonta, the suspect committed smash-and-grab crimes, breaking into establishments to steal purses and other pricey things before escaping the area. Sunglass Hut, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Gucci, Coach, Versace, Burberry, and Maison Margiela were among the retailers from which merchandise was pilfered.
During a press conference on Tuesday at the LAPD headquarters, Bonta stated, “Organized retail theft harms businesses, retailers, and consumers—and puts the public at risk. Organized retail crime has been plaguing our state for far too long.”
According to Bonta, five guns were also taken into custody by the police during their investigation.
Personnel from several departments participated in the multi-departmental investigation, including the Organized Retail Task Force of the Los Angeles Police Department, the San Diego Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Costa Mesa Police Department, the Newport Beach Police Department, the Livermore Police Department, and the Palo Alto Police Department.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton of the LAPD remarked,“A strong economy, and a feeling of safety, should not be disrupted in any community by a delinquent few. We will continue to strengthen public safety and build trust with our businesses and consumers alike, through the incredible work of our local and regional partners.”
