Southern California Smash-and-Grab Robbers Sentenced for Stealing Over $1.7 Million Worth of Items
In a significant crackdown on organized retail crime, nine individuals have been arrested and sentenced for their roles in a series of smash-and-grab robberies that targeted high-end retail stores across Southern California. From May 11 to August 23, 2023, the suspects orchestrated a series of destructive robberies that resulted in the theft of over $1.7 million worth of luxury goods.
According to the California Attorney General’s Office, the targeted retailers included Nordstrom at the Westfield Topanga mall, Yves Saint Laurent at the Americana at Brand, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Magnolia Park, an upscale boutique. The brazen thefts not only caused significant financial loss but also posed a serious threat to public safety.
The masterminds behind these heists have now been brought to justice. Jordan Harris, for instance, pleaded guilty to carjacking and two counts of grand theft from the YSL store in Glendale and Nordstrom at the Topanga Canyon mall. Harris was sentenced to 10 years and 4 months in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Kip Henry admitted to one count of robbery at Nordstrom in the Topanga mall and one count of grand theft from a Louis Vuitton store in Newport Beach, receiving a sentence of 7 years and 4 months.
Other key figures in the case include Devon Perry, who pleaded guilty to two counts of grand theft from the Burberry Outlet in Riverside and Nordstrom in the Topanga mall, and Ziona Famoso, who admitted to one count of robbery from Nordstrom at the Topanga mall and two counts of grand theft from the YSL in Glendale and Louis Vuitton in Newport Beach.
The sentences handed down to the perpetrators reflect the gravity of their crimes. Alana Hart was sentenced to 4 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury and grand theft at a Burberry Outlet in Riverside. Travelle Hamblet, who pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Nordstrom in the Topanga mall, received a 4-year sentence in state prison.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the coordinated nature of these crimes, stating, “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.” He expressed gratitude to local law enforcement partners and Mayor Bass for their collaboration in combating organized retail crime.
The case was meticulously investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, along with the Glendale Police Department, Burbank Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Newport Beach Police Department, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. State officials have urged anyone with information on suspects or retail thefts to submit tips at oag.ca.gov/retail-theft.
This coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies underscores the state’s commitment to protecting businesses and communities from the scourge of organized retail crime. The sentences handed down serve as a stark reminder that such criminal activities will not be tolerated and that justice will be served to those who engage in these dangerous and destructive acts.