California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Tuesday that eight individuals who pleaded guilty to smash-and-grab robberies across Southern California have been sentenced to prison.
In the period spanning from May 2023 to August 2023, the robbers confessed to stealing from stores located in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties. The total worth of merchandise stolen by the group amounted to more than $1.7 million.
During a press conference, Bonta expressed his strong disapproval of the recent incident, stating that it was highly disturbing, shocking, and completely unacceptable. He empathized with those who had to witness the event, stating that it must have been incredibly difficult to watch and even more difficult to imagine being in the shoes of those who were shopping innocently during the attack, including their children, loved ones, and other family members.
Several high-end stores, including the Nordstrom store in Canoga Park and the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) store in Glendale, were hit by viral flash-mob robberies. In addition to these, Louis Vuitton in Newport Beach, Burberry Outlet in Riverside, Gucci, and Magnolia Park were also targeted by the robbers.
Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid stated firmly on the attorney general’s website that the Glendale community will not tolerate these crimes.
According to the attorney general, Jordan Harris holds the record for the longest sentence served in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was sentenced to 10 years and four months after pleading 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 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 received sentences in connection with the robberies. Ivan Ramirez, who is also linked to the crimes, pleaded guilty and will face sentencing in 2025.
In an effort to put an end to the rising number of smash-and-grab robberies, Bonta has been actively seeking the public’s assistance.
In a statement, Bonta expressed his firm commitment to combat organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom, utilizing the full resources of the California Department of Justice.
