On Tuesday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced more than 27 criminal charges against three individuals for allegedly participating in an organized retail crime scheme spanning Southern California.
The inquiry discovered that the guys committed crimes in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties, targeting high-end establishments and causing more than $300,000 in losses.
Isaiah Abdullah, 26, Ishmael Baptist, 25, and Nickolas Mallory, 26, have all been charged with organized retail theft, robbery, and grand theft, according to the California Department of Justice.
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According to Bonta, the suspect committed smash-and-grab thefts, which involved running into establishments and grabbing purses and other expensive things before fleeing the scene. Merchandise was obtained from Burberry, Prada, Sunglass Hut, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Gucci, Coach, Versace, and Maison Margiela.
“Organized retail theft harms businesses, retailers, and consumers—and puts the public at risk,” Bonta said during a press conference at LAPD headquarters on Tuesday. “Organized retail crime has been plaguing our state for far too long.”
During their investigation, detectives seized five guns, according to Bonta.
The investigation was conducted by members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail Task Force, 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.
“A strong economy and a sense of safety should not be disrupted in any community by a few delinquent individuals,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, who also spoke at the conference. “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.”
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