‘Bonnie and Clyde’ illegal immigrant couple accused of brazen jewelry theft spree across four states
Two Romanian nationals accused of stealing necklaces from elderly people in a multi-state theft spree are in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. The case has prompted police warnings about distraction scams and renewed criticism from the Department of Homeland Security of New York’s sanctuary policies.
Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, allegedly committed at least 14 thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, taking necklaces valued at $2,000 to $3,000 each. In one reported incident, a woman in Valley Stream helped a stranger with directions, then noticed her own necklace was missing after being asked for a hug. Each suspect faces three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny; police also urged residents to watch for similar approaches and report suspicious activity.
- Two Romanian nationals are in ICE custody over alleged necklace thefts.
- Authorities cite at least 14 thefts across four states.
- Police warn that distraction scams can target elderly residents.
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Rudi Lacatusu and Mirabela Lacatusu are Romanian nationals accused of taking necklaces from older people in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland. Police say the alleged thefts involved distracting people through friendly approaches, including asking for directions or a hug.
The case involves local criminal charges and federal immigration custody, which are separate processes. The Department of Homeland Security has also linked it to criticism of New York’s sanctuary policies, which limit some cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials.
Police have warned residents to be alert to distraction scams and to report suspicious activity. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The allegations describe a repeated pattern of theft targeting older people across several states, with significant losses and an approach that may have exploited victims’ trust. A strong public-safety case is that authorities should coordinate across state lines, warn residents about distraction tactics and, where the law permits, use immigration custody to reduce the risk of further alleged offences.
The case against
The charges remain allegations, so the couple are entitled to due process and should not be treated as guilty before the evidence is tested. Criticism of sanctuary policies should be grounded in the specific facts of this case: limiting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities can reflect a defensible effort to build trust with immigrant communities, while theft prevention and prosecution remain matters for local police and courts.