Couple Accused of Jewelry Theft Spree Across Four States

<p>A couple, Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, both Romanian nationals, have been accused of stealing jewelry from elderly victims in a theft spree across four states, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The couple, referred to as 'Bonnie and Clyde' by DHS, is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.</p><p>The pair allegedly committed at least 14 jewelry thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, as reported by DHS. The stolen necklaces were valued between $2,000 and $3,000 each.</p><p>One incident involved a 73-year-old woman in Valley Stream, New York, who was approached by the couple while they were in a gold Mitsubishi. After providing directions, the female passenger allegedly hugged the woman and placed two gold-colored necklaces around her neck. Shortly after, the victim discovered her own gold necklace, worth approximately $2,000, was missing.</p><p>Investigators linked the suspects to similar thefts in Franklin Square and East Meadow. Each faces three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, according to police. DHS stated that Nassau County authorities turned the couple over to ICE after their arrests, noting that both entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown time and location.</p><p>DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin commented on the case, stating, 'This ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ illegal alien couple from Romania has been charged with grand larceny after allegedly carrying out more than a dozen jewelry thefts across four states.' He added that local partners in New York contributed to their arrest and that the couple would be removed from the country.</p><p>Mullin also criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul, asserting that sanctuary policies pose risks to Americans. He claimed that if it were up to sanctuary politicians, the suspects would be 'back on the streets to rob more Americans.'</p><p>DHS used this case to reiterate its criticism of New York’s sanctuary policies, describing the state as a 'hotbed of illegal alien crime' under Hochul. The announcement follows Operation Rotten Apple, an ICE operation that resulted in the arrest of 2,197 illegal immigrants across New York, including individuals charged with serious crimes.</p><p>Nassau County police initially issued appearance tickets for the suspects, directing them to court in Hempstead on October 20. DHS did not specify when ICE took custody of them.</p><p>The case has prompted police to issue warnings to residents about distraction scams targeting elderly individuals, advising them to be cautious of strangers offering jewelry or gifts and to report suspicious activity to authorities.</p><p>Residents who have been targeted in similar thefts are encouraged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.</p>