An immigrant couple from Romania referred to as ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allegedly exploited strangers’ kindness, stealing necklaces from elderly individuals across four states. The couple, Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, are currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, as announced by DHS.
The two allegedly committed at least 14 jewelry thefts across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, with each necklace valued between $2,000 and $3,000. According to Nassau County police, one incident began innocuously when a 73-year-old woman outside her home was approached by a couple in a gold Mitsubishi. The woman inside the car asked for directions and offered a hug, during which she placed two gold-colored necklaces around the elder woman’s neck. Once the couple left, the victim realized her own gold necklace, valued at approximately $2,000, was missing.
The suspects were linked to similar thefts in Franklin Square and East Meadow and face grand larceny charges. After their arrest, Nassau County authorities handed the couple over to ICE, as both had entered the U.S. illegally at unspecified times and places.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed criticism of sanctuary policies, arguing they endanger American citizens. He noted that if such policies prevailed, these criminals would be free to continue their activities. Mullin specifically criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s stance, deeming the state a ‘hotbed of illegal alien crime.’
The arrests occurred during Operation Rotten Apple, an ICE initiative from July to August, during which 2,197 illegal immigrants, including serious criminals, were detained. The police also urged citizens to be alert to scams in which strangers offer jewelry, gifts, or other distractions that lead to theft, advising them to report suspicious activities to authorities.
Those who believe they’ve been targeted in similar schemes can contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Lung Surgery 
Hurricane Simon and Storm Rachel Cause Destruction in Mexico and the U.S. 
U.S. Officials Reassess Timeline for Potential Chinese Invasion of Taiwan 
President Trump Shares Disturbing Wildlife Incident 
Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Lung Surgery for Cancer Treatment 
News Highlights: Guilfoyle Scandal, Turek vs. Hinson, Trump Heads to Alaska