An illegal immigrant couple known as “Bonnie and Clyde” by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allegedly exploited the kindness of strangers, stealing necklaces from elderly victims. Their theft spree covered four states.
Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, Romanian nationals, were reportedly focused on victims on Long Island. Now, they are in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, according to a DHS announcement on Tuesday.
The couple allegedly executed at least 14 jewelry thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, as reported by local sources cited by DHS. The stolen necklaces had values ranging between $2,000 and $3,000.
Mirabela Lacatusu and Rudi Lacatusu face three charges of grand larceny, related to their alleged necklace thefts from elderly victims.
One incident began with a seemingly innocent request for directions. A 73-year-old woman was outside her home in Valley Stream, New York, on October 5. A gold Mitsubishi with a man and woman inside approached her, and the female passenger inquired about the route to BJ’s Wholesale Club.
After receiving directions, the passenger exited the car, asked for a hug, and placed two gold-colored necklaces on the woman. Soon after, the woman noticed her own gold necklace, valued at around $2,000, was missing.
Detectives linked the suspects to similar thefts in Franklin Square and East Meadow. Both suspects face three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.
According to DHS, Nassau County authorities handed the couple over to ICE after their arrests. Both entered the U.S. illegally at an unspecified time and place.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized that the pair has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly conducting more than a dozen jewelry thefts in four states.
Mullin also criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul, asserting that sanctuary policies endanger Americans. He implied that, under such policies, these criminals could continue their activities.
DHS used this case to critique New York’s sanctuary policies, describing the state as a center of illegal alien crime under Hochul. The department contended that these policies have had far-reaching negative impacts.
This announcement followed Operation Rotten Apple, an ICE initiative from July 27 to August 29. DHS reported that 2,197 illegal immigrants were arrested in New York during this operation, including those involved in serious crimes.
Initially, Nassau County police issued the suspects appearance tickets for court in Hempstead on October 20. DHS’s statement did not specify when ICE took custody.
Police have advised residents to be cautious of distraction scams targeting the elderly, involving strangers offering gifts or requesting assistance.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant in parking lots and outside grocery stores. Authorities recommend calling 911 for suspicious activities. Victims of similar thefts can contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.