In a statement released on Tuesday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that eight individuals who had pleaded guilty to smash-and-grab robberies committed across Southern California have been sentenced to prison.
In the period from May 2023 to August 2023, the robbers confessed to stealing from stores in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties, amounting to more than $1.7 million worth of merchandise.
During a press conference, Bonta expressed his strong disapproval of the recent events, stating that he found them to be deeply unsettling, alarming, and completely unacceptable. He went on to explain that it was difficult to even watch the footage of these incidents, let alone imagine what it must have been like for innocent shoppers who were present during those terrifying moments – including children, loved ones, and other family members.
Several stores were targeted in viral flash mob robberies, including the Nordstrom store in Canoga Park and the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) store in Glendale. Additionally, Louis Vuitton in Newport Beach, Burberry Outlet in Riverside, and Gucci and Magnolia Park were among the stores that were robbed.
Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid firmly stated that the Glendale community will not tolerate such crimes, according to an official statement on the attorney general’s website.
According to the attorney general, Jordan Harris holds the record for the longest sentence in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which amounts to 10 years and four months. Harris pleaded guilty to two counts of grand theft at the Glendale YSL and the Topanga Canyon mall Nordstrom. On the other hand, Briana Jimenez received the shortest sentence for her guilty plea on charges of robbery and grand theft at the Glendale YSL. Jimenez was sentenced to one year in custody and felony probation.
Kip Henry, Devon Perry, Ziona Famoso, Alana Hart, Travelle Hamblet, and Jason Smith are among the group of people who were sentenced for their involvement in the robberies. Ivan Ramirez, who is also connected to the crimes, pleaded guilty and is set to be sentenced in 2025.
To combat the rise of smash-and-grab robberies, Bonta has appealed to the public for assistance.
In a statement, Bonta emphasized his dedication to utilizing the resources of the California Department of Justice to combat organized retail crime, both through legal action and on-the-ground efforts. “I am fully committed to this cause,” he stated.