Michelle Mack, the leader of a nationwide organized retail crime operation targeting Ulta Beauty and other major retailers, has been sentenced to more than five years in a California state prison. This sentence comes after a plea deal where her husband, Kenneth, received the same sentence but will be released after one year. The couple was found guilty of conspiracy to commit a felony, organized retail theft, petty theft, and receiving stolen property.
Michelle Mack ran her operation from her 4,500-square foot mansion in Bonsall, California, overseeing a network of about a dozen people who stole millions of dollars in merchandise from Ulta, Sephora, and other major retailers. The stolen goods were then resold on Amazon under the “Online Makeup Store” to unsuspecting customers at a discounted price.
Law enforcement began investigating Mack’s operation, known as the “California Girls,” and identified her as the ringleader of the organized crime ring. CNBC conducted an investigation that shed light on the vast scale of Mack’s operation and how stolen items were traced back to organized retail crime rings. The investigation also revealed that Mack made millions through the resale of stolen goods on Amazon.
Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell highlighted the financial and human impact of organized retail crime in an interview with CNBC. He emphasized the real financial losses incurred by retailers but also stressed the human impact on employees and customers. The illegal activities of Mack and her crew not only affected retailers financially but also disrupted the shopping experience for legitimate customers.
Michelle and Kenneth Mack, along with seven members of their crew, were initially charged with 140 felonies. While Michelle and Kenneth received sentences of over five years in prison, one of the crew members received a three-year and four-month sentence. The legal cases against the remaining crew members are still pending in court.
As part of their sentencing, Michelle and Kenneth Mack were ordered to pay $3 million in restitution to Ulta and Sephora. Additionally, Michelle was prohibited from leaving the state or going near any Ulta or Sephora stores. The restraining orders aim to prevent the Macks from engaging in any further criminal activities related to organized retail theft.
Overall, the case of Michelle Mack and her organized retail crime operation serves as a stark reminder of the financial and human impact of such illegal activities. It underscores the importance of robust law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime rings and protect retailers and consumers from the consequences of these crimes.