The California mom who admitted to heading up a large-scale retail theft operation that targeted beauty products from Ulta and Sephora, reselling them on Amazon, has been ordered to pay millions of dollars in restitution.
Michelle Mack, 54, known as the “queenpin,” was directed to pay $3 million in restitution to Ulta, Sephora, and other retailers her criminal ring victimized.
As part of her agreement with prosecutors, Mack relinquished her 4,500-square foot mansion in Bonsall, California.
The property, which included a vineyard, chapel, and four-car garage, was sold for $2.35 million in December.
Proceeds from the sale will go towards restitution after outstanding debts are settled.
Mack and her husband, Kenneth Mack, 60, will repay the remaining balance gradually, according to the California Attorney General’s Office.
It is uncertain if there was a mortgage on the property, which Mack bought for $2.29 million in 2021.
Restitution distribution among the victims is yet to be determined, as the “California Girls” crime ring targeted various retailers, primarily Ulta and Sephora.
Ulta and Sephora have not responded to requests for comment.
While the restitution may seem small compared to Ulta’s net income, it is significant in comparison to previous retail theft cases.
David Johnston from the National Retail Federation noted that restitution amounts for retailers have been increasing in recent years.
Restitution payments in complex retail theft cases often do not fully cover the losses suffered.
Last year, Mack and her husband faced felony charges after authorities discovered over $300,000 in stolen goods at their residence, a fraction of the estimated $8 million stolen since 2012.
The elaborate cosmetics theft scheme spanned multiple states.
Mack was accused of orchestrating the thefts and reselling the products through her Amazon store.
She was sentenced to five years and four months in prison, with the sentence delayed until January 9 due to her young children. Kenneth received a similar sentence.
Mack was also prohibited from going near Ulta or Sephora stores.
Nine others were also charged in connection with the crime ring, which targeted stores across multiple states.
