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  • December 13, 2024
Governor Kathy Hochul says Queens crew reportedly raised  million worth of high-end clothing and beauty products

Governor Kathy Hochul says Queens crew reportedly raised $2 million worth of high-end clothing and beauty products

A Queens couple allegedly led a shoplifting spree that stole nearly $2 million worth of beauty products and clothing from stores and resold the merchandise in New York City and the Dominican Republic, multiple media outlets report.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday that five individuals are facing multiple charges, including felony possession of stolen property and conspiracy to steal high-end makeup, perfume, beauty products, designer clothing and accessories from stores including Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, Sephora and Ulta Beauty. and American Eagle over the past two years.

Cristopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista allegedly led the crew of sticky-fingered bandits as they swiped items from stores in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and other East Coast locations.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul explained that the arrests are the first under a new criminal statute aimed at promoting the sale of stolen goods in the state’s ongoing battle to suppress shoplifting.

“This is very simple. We are fed up with criminals attacking our citizens,” Hochul said. “We are tired of our citizens feeling vulnerable to random crimes on the streets or these sophisticated organized crime gangs. And we will come after you.”

According to Hochul, businesses across the country lose approximately $100 billion per year and the average family pays more than $500 annually due to organized retail theft.

“This is not a Black Friday sale,” Hochul said. “This is what people tried to put in the hands of people who were stolen from legitimate businesses. And that is unfair. Their costs are high enough.”