According to a statement released by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday, eight individuals who pleaded guilty to smash-and-grab robberies across Southern California have been sentenced to prison.
In the period between May 2023 and August 2023, the robbers confessed to stealing from various stores across Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties. Their heist amounted to over $1.7 million worth of merchandise.
During a press conference, Bonta expressed his discontent about the recent incident by stating that it was disturbing, shocking, and unacceptable. He further added that watching such an event would be hard, let alone experiencing it with your loved ones while innocently shopping.
Several high-end stores in California were targeted in viral flash-mob robberies, including Nordstrom in Canoga Park, Yves Saint Laurent in Glendale, Louis Vuitton in Newport Beach, Burberry Outlet in Riverside, and Gucci and Magnolia Park.
Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid emphasized that the Glendale community will not tolerate these crimes. He made this statement on the attorney general’s website.
According to the attorney general, Jordan Harris holds the record for the longest sentence at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which is 10 years and four months. Harris pleaded guilty for two counts of grand theft, one at the Glendale YSL and the other at the Topanga Canyon mall Nordstrom. On the other hand, Briana Jimenez received the shortest sentence for pleading guilty to robbery and grand theft at the Glendale YSL. She 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 individuals who were sentenced. Ivan Ramirez, who is also linked to the robberies, pleaded guilty to the offenses and will face sentencing in 2025.
Bonta made an effort to curb the occurrence of smash-and-grab robberies by seeking assistance from the public.
In a statement, Bonta expressed his dedication to utilizing the full extent of the California Department of Justice to combat organized retail crime, both through on-the-ground efforts and legal action.
