‘Bonnie and Clyde’ illegal immigrant couple accused of brazen jewelry theft spree across four states: news
14-10-2026
‘Bonnie and Clyde’ Illegal Immigrant Couple Accused of Brazen Jewelry Theft Spree Across Four States
A Romanian couple dubbed a modern-day “Bonnie and Clyde” has been arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following an alleged multi-state jewelry theft ring targeting elderly victims across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Overview of the Multi-State Theft Scheme
Federal authorities from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and local law enforcement identified the suspects as Rudi Lacatusu and Mirabela Lacatusu. Investigators link the pair to at least 14 incidents involving grand larceny and diversion-style pickpocketing.
The operation typically followed a specific “hug-and-snatch” diversion pattern:
Targeting Vulnerable Seniors: The suspects approached victimsmostly seniors in their 70sin public parking lots, sidewalks, or quiet residential neighborhoods.
Distraction Tactics: Mirabela Lacatusu would approach individuals asking for travel directions or offering fake jewelry as a “customary gift” or gesture of gratitude.
The Swapped Larceny: Under the pretense of giving an affectionate hug or placing costume jewelry around the victim’s neck, she would covertly unclasp and swipe the victim’s authentic gold necklace or chain.
Quick Getaway: The pair would immediately enter a waiting vehicle and flee the scene before victims noticed their high-value possessions were missing.
Value of Stolen Property and Scope of Charges
Each stolen necklace carried an estimated value between $2,000 and $3,000, totaling tens of thousands of dollars in illicit gains across four Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.
The spree came to a halt when Nassau County Police detectives in Long Island, New York, apprehended the suspects following multiple local complaints, including thefts in Valley Stream and attempted incidents in Floral Park.
Immigration Enforcement and Legal Next Steps
Both individuals entered the United States unlawfully at an undetermined time and location. Following formal state charges of grand larceny, local law enforcement transferred the pair into federal ICE custody, where immigration detainers were executed pending ongoing criminal proceedings and potential deportation.