Robbers linked to $1.7 million smash-and-grab heists in LA get up to 10 years in prison
Nine people have pleaded guilty to charges in connection to smash-and-grab robberies worth over $1.7 million throughout Southern California.
According to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the individuals hit multiple luxury retail stores between May 2023 and August 2023, including Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Nordstrom, and Louis Vuitton.
"This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a dangerous, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities," Bonta said in a statement. "I am thankful to our local law enforcement partners and Mayor Bass for their collaboration in this battle against organized retail crime. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together.”
Magnolia Park, a high-end boutique, Gucci and Burberry were also targeted during the crime spree.
A video obtained by USA TODAY shows a masked "flash mob" dressed in all-black dart out of YSL with unpaid items. Last year, the state announced its move to invest and award more than $267 million in law enforcement agencies to tackle organized retail crime.
"California is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to crack down on organized crime and support local law enforcement. Enough with these brazen smash-and-grabs — we’re ensuring law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to take down these criminals," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press release at the time.
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Eight of the nine people charged have already been sentenced. Per the AG's office, among them are:
- Jordan Harris: Sentenced to 10 years, 4 months. Pleaded guilty to two counts of grand theft connected to the incidents at YSL and Nordstrom.
- Kip Henry: Sentenced to 7 years, 4 months (confessed to previous strike conviction). Pleaded guilty to one count of robbery for an incident at Nordstrom and one count of grand theft for an incident at Louis Vuitton.
- Devon Perry: Sentenced to 5 years, 4 months (admitted to strike conviction). Pleaded guilty to two counts of grand theft stemming from incidents carried out at Burberry Outlet and Nordstrom.
- Ziona Famoso: Sentenced to 4 years, 4 months. Pleaded guilty to two counts of grand theft for YSL and Louis Vuitton, as well as one count of robbery from Nordstrom.
- Alana Hart: Sentenced to 4 years. Pleaded guilty to grant theft and assault with force likely to commit great bodily injury from an incident at Burberry Outlet.
- Travelle Hamblet: Sentenced to 4 years (also admitted to previous strike conviction). Pleaded guilty to one count of robbery linked to Nordstrom.
- Jason Smith: Sentenced to 3 years. Pleaded guilty to carjacking.
- Brianna Jimenez: Sentenced to one year in custody and felony probation. Pleaded guilty to robbery for YSL hit.
The ninth individual, identified as Ivan Ramirez, will be sentenced in 2025. He pleaded guilty to grand theft and robbery at the YSL.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation of this case.
Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton added, “The guilty pleas and prison sentences for these individuals send a clear message that organized retail crime will not be tolerated in our community. The diligent work of the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force and the collaboration with the State of California's Department of Justice have brought justice and safety to our neighborhoods. These outcomes are a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting the public and upholding the law."
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].