Overview
A San Diego County woman, Michelle Mack, has been arrested and accused of leading a national shoplifting ring targeting Ulta Beauty stores, resulting in millions of dollars of stolen goods being sold online.
Details of the Investigation
- Michelle Mack is alleged to have led a theft ring targeting Ulta Beauty stores across multiple states since 2021.
- The ring involved recruiting up to 12 people to steal from retail stores and ship items to Mack's post office box.
- Mack is accused of selling the stolen goods via Amazon, making nearly $2 million in 2022 and about $8 million since 2012.
- Evidence found during a December 6 federal raid included a large cache of stolen cosmetics valued around $350,000.
- Shoplifters were reportedly provided with specific target lists, flights, rental cars, and hotel expenses covered by Mack.
Law Enforcement and Corporate Response
- Initial investigation began with 12 suspects in Southern California Ulta thefts; two arrested individuals on the East Coast linked the operation back to Mack in California.
- Social media communications were instrumental in connecting the suspects to Mack.
- San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan highlighted the wider community and safety impacts of organized retail theft during Congressional testimony.
- Ulta Beauty cooperated with authorities by providing investigative support and has a dedicated national team handling organized theft.
Unresolved Issues
- It remains unconfirmed whether an earlier Ulta theft in San Marcos is connected to Mack’s alleged crime ring, as the DA’s office has not responded to inquiries from media.