Arrest of CA Mom Tells Victim Advocates What We Already Knew: It Was Not the Kid’s Idea
Organized Retail Theft has become a major topic of discussion about rising crime in America. And the footage we see on the news is scary. People with guns often doing smash and grabs or emptying shelves into garbage bags while the terrified cashier making minimum wage looks on, probably thinking about how they did not sign up for this level of danger as a cashier.
The rise in organized retail theft has been alarming, with suspects increasingly turning out to be young Black teens and young adults. This criminal enterprise has become disturbingly sophisticated, with thieves meticulously planning their targets, stealing cars, and even switching license plates to evade detection, a move called “cold plating”. Getaway drivers stand at the ready, prepared for a swift escape if the suspect vehicle is caught in pursuit and must abandon ship.
Dispensary thefts in the middle of the night have become increasingly popular, with groups of cars fleeing the scene so that the police could not possibly catch them all. These specific thefts bring an even higher risk to law enforcement, due to the nature of having drugs involved that hold much more value outside the state of California. When the police can catch one, even if the driver has fled, they often find weapons with more bullet capacity then they have, and they can never trace the driver due to the car being stolen.
While Organized Retail Theft and Shoplifting are both reconciled the same way with insurance companies, one creates far more trauma on the community. It is not just shoplifting food because you’re poor or starving. It is so much more brazen, often violent, and it is shocking. In the world of crime, headlines often sensationalize the arrests, painting a picture of “criminals” caught in the act. However, beneath the surface of organized retail theft, there lies a heartbreaking reality — one that victim advocates have long been aware of: the kids involved are often victims themselves.
What’s truly shocking, though, are the headlines featuring the arrests of 12, 13, and 14-year-old teens in some of these cases. The public’s response often echoes sentiments of “charge them as adults; they knew what they were doing.” But did they really? Many victim advocates, particularly those working with survivors of human trafficking, have known that something wasn’t right. Survivors frequently recount stories of being given a choice by their traffickers: either sell their bodies or steal. Trapped in a cycle they cannot break free from; these vulnerable individuals find themselves coerced into criminal activities without knowing how to ask for help.
Then came the story that shook the ground beneath our feet. The tale of Michelle Mack, a middle-aged, blonde-haired white woman, allegedly running a vast criminal enterprise. She of course, never got her hands dirty committing theft, but her “workers” were dubbed the ‘California Girls’ by investigators, Mack and her husband Kenneth operated across more than a dozen states, targeting well-known outlets such as Lens Crafters, Sephora, and at least 231 Ulta stores.
Reports reveal a chilling operation: Mack had people stealing merchandise from stores nationwide, amassing a stockpile of stolen goods to sell on her Amazon storefront at drastically reduced prices. The scale and audacity of this operation were staggering. And yet, amidst the exposure of this criminal network, headlines will still persist about 12, 13, and 14-year-olds being arrested for theft. The narrative that these young individuals are solely responsible for their actions crumbles in the face of such revelations.
It’s time we confront a harsh truth: the kids involved are victims. When adults manipulate, coerce, or force children into committing crimes, it is a form of child abuse. The concept of “corrupting” a minor should not be taken lightly — it is a serious offense. Why, then, do we fail to recognize these children as victims of exploitation? If adults can be charged with delinquency of a minor or corrupt, why are we not extending the same understanding and empathy to these young individuals?
This is not an isolated incident. We are witnessing a pattern of adults pulling the strings while children bear the consequences. It is time for a shift in perspective — a recognition that these young individuals are not hardened criminals, but rather victims of a system that failed to protect them. As a society, we must prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of these children. We must view them through the lens of victimhood, offering support, understanding, and pathways to healing. Only then can we truly address the root causes of organized crime and break the cycle of victimization.
Address why these teens are getting roped in in the first place. Lack of opportunity and extreme poverty. In order to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable teens in organized retail theft, we need to establish robust support systems that offer alternative pathways. Community programs, mentorship initiatives, and educational opportunities can provide teens with positive outlets for their energy and talents. By creating safe spaces where they feel valued and supported, we can steer them away from criminal influences.
Building trust between teens and authorities is essential. Teens must know that they can turn to law enforcement or social services for help without facing judgment or punitive measures. But law enforcement needs to also see another perspective on why this is happening and see these kids through a different lens. Restorative justice programs and outreach efforts can play a pivotal role in fostering this trust, ensuring that teens feel empowered to seek assistance when they find themselves in precarious situations.
The arrest of a California mom has revealed a truth that victim advocates have long known: the kids are victims, and it’s time we start treating them as such.
