A massive seven-county identity theft ring that targeted high-end jewelry stores has finally been busted.
Three suspects are now facing dozens of felony charges.
And California jewelry thieves left investigators stunned after this massive identity theft scheme.
California Attorney General brings charges against retail theft ring
The California Department of Justice filed a 34-count felony complaint against three individuals for an elaborate organized retail theft operation spanning seven counties and netting over $100,000 in stolen merchandise.
Anthony Limas, Johnny Nicklas, and Steve Randy Nicklas face charges of organized retail theft, grand theft, and unauthorized use of personal identifying information for crimes committed between March and July 2023.
“I am committed to using the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme.”
The crime spree stretched across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties in a sophisticated operation that left law enforcement officials racing to connect the dots.
Jewelry stores targeted in brazen identity theft scheme
The thieves primarily targeted Signet Jewelers stores, including well-known brands Kay, Jared, and Zales, along with Harbor Freight.
Their method was particularly devious – they stole innocent victims’ identities to apply for store credit cards, then used those fraudulent credit lines to walk away with expensive merchandise.
“These arrests are the result of excellent collaboration between HSI, private industry, state and local law enforcement partners,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orange County Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bracken. “HSI will work tirelessly with our partners in California to ensure that those who commit fraud will be held accountable.”
According to the felony complaint, at least 13 victims had their identities compromised in the scheme. The suspects allegedly obtained personal identifying information from victims with names like Luis Alvarez, Jose Echeverria, Daniel Vega, Chris Marroquin, and several others.
The victims likely had no idea their identities were being used to fuel a massive theft operation until they started receiving bills for luxury items they never purchased.
Multi-agency operation brings down theft ring
The investigation began with a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s corporate fraud investigator and grew into a coordinated effort involving federal, state, and local agencies.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Westminster Police Department, Santa Maria Police Department, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement all contributed to the investigation.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza emphasized the importance of the collaborative effort: “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement.”
The arrests come at a time when organized retail theft has become a growing concern for businesses and law enforcement across California. Retailers have reported increasingly brazen theft operations, with some stores forced to lock up merchandise or hire additional security.
The complaint also includes special allegations that the defendants took property worth more than $100,000 and that the crimes were carried out with “planning, sophistication, or professionalism,” which could enhance penalties if they’re convicted.
While the criminal complaint lays out the government’s case, all three defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of organized retail crime networks and the increasing importance of cooperation between retailers and law enforcement to combat these operations.