California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the sentencing of eight individuals involved in a series of "smash and grab" robberies at high-end retail stores across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. The crimes occurred between May 11, 2023, and August 23, 2023, resulting in a loss exceeding $1.7 million. The targeted stores included Nordstrom, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Magnolia Park. One remaining defendant has pled guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.
"I am committed to bringing 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 dangerous, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities."
Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton emphasized that the guilty pleas and prison sentences send a clear message that organized retail crime will not be tolerated. "The diligent work of the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force and collaboration with the State of California's Department of Justice have brought justice and safety to our neighborhoods," he stated.
Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid also highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. "These crimes will not be tolerated in the Glendale community," he said. "Collaboration with our partner agencies is a cornerstone of these arrests."
The sentences are as follows:
- Jordan Harris: Guilty plea to carjacking and two counts of grand theft; sentenced to 10 years 4 months.
- Kip Henry: Guilty plea to one count of robbery and one count of grand theft; sentenced to 7 years 4 months.
- Devon Perry: Guilty plea to two counts of grand theft; sentenced to 5 years 4 months.
- Ziona Famoso: Guilty plea to one count of robbery and two counts of grand theft; sentenced to 4 years 4 months.
- Alana Hart: Guilty plea to assault with force likely to commit great bodily injury and grand theft; sentenced to 4 years.
- Travelle Hamblet: Guilty plea to one count of robbery; sentenced to 4 years.
- Jason Smith: Guilty plea to carjacking; sentenced to 3 years.
- Briana Jimenez: Guilty plea to robbery; sentenced to one year in custody and felony probation.
Ivan Ramirez pled guilty but will be sentenced at a future date in 2025.
The case was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies including Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force, Glendale Police Department, Burbank Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Newport Beach Police Department, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. A twenty-five count felony complaint was filed against nine defendants in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section (SPS) is prosecuting the case. The Attorney General encourages public tips on organized retail theft via oag.ca.gov/retail-theft.
A copy of the criminal complaint is available here.