What Is a Flash Mob Robbery?
A flash mob robbery is a form of organized retail crime characterized by a large group of individuals suddenly storming a retail establishment. These incidents often involve a coordinated effort, with participants rapidly taking merchandise and fleeing the scene before law enforcement can respond. Flash mob robberies have become an increasing concern for businesses and communities across California.
Typically, these crimes are planned and executed swiftly. Groups of individuals, often juveniles or young adults, converge on a target location, overwhelming store employees and security systems.
The perpetrators may employ tactics such as distraction, intimidation, or violence to facilitate their theft. Once the merchandise is seized, the group quickly disperses, making apprehension difficult. The stolen goods are often resold online or through other illicit channels.
Flash mob robberies, or "flashed robs," have emerged as a significant threat to businesses and communities across California. Southern California has been a particular hotspot for flash mob robberies. A surge of these incidents occurred in Los Angeles and surrounding areas in late 2023, causing widespread alarm and economic disruption.
Unfortunately, the problem has persisted, with recent flash mob robberies reported as late as April and July 2024. The impact of these crimes extends beyond the immediate financial losses suffered by retailers; they also create a climate of fear and insecurity for employees and customers alike.
Given the organized nature of flash mob robberies, participants can face a range of serious criminal charges. In this blog, we aim to help you understand the potential legal consequences of involvement in flash mob robberies.
What Criminal Charges Can You Face for Participating?
Involvement in a flash mob robbery can lead to a range of serious criminal charges, both at the state and federal levels. The specific charges will depend on the individual's actions, the scope of the crime, the value of the goods, other specifics of the criminal act, and the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
At the state level, a person allegedly involved in a flash rob event can face the following charges:
- Robbery. This is a felony offense that occurs when a person takes or threatens to take someone else’s property without their consent.
- Grand theft. In California, grand theft occurs when someone steals goods or property that is worth over $950 or when the stolen goods are a car or firearm.
- Conspiracy to commit a crime. California Penal Code § 182 criminalizes working with two or more people to conspire to do the following: commit a crime, falsely or maliciously work to get another person indicted for a crime, cheat or defraud any person of their property by committing another crime, file or act on a false suit or action, or commit a crime against a judge, government official, or the President of Vice President of the United States.
- Burglary. This offense occurs when a person enters someone else’s property (including their vehicle) with the intent to commit larceny or another felony offense.
- Assault and battery. While flash mob robberies are primarily about taking goods from stores in mass, they can turn violent. For instance, during a flash mob robbery at a gas station, a clerk claims to have been threatened. In California, assault includes making threats or causing someone to fear violence. Thus, those involved in that store robbery may face assault and theft charges. Battery occurs when a person uses force and inflicts violence on another person.
- Vandalism. When a person maliciously damages, destroys, or defaces property without the owner’s consent, they can be charged with vandalism.
In cases involving organized retail crime or where the stolen merchandise is worth a substantial amount, federal charges may be brought. These can include:
- Conspiracy to commit robbery. This charge is often used in cases where multiple individuals work together to plan and execute the robbery. Just like with the state definition, federal conspiracy occurs when you work with others to plan to commit a crime.
- Interstate transportation of stolen goods. If the stolen merchandise is transported across state lines, federal charges can be applied.
- Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges. In cases involving ongoing criminal enterprises, RICO charges may be brought against the leaders of the flash mob operation.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential charges that could be filed against individuals involved in flash mob robberies. The specific charges will vary depending on the circumstances of each case. If you or someone you know is facing charges related to a flash mob robbery, it is crucial to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Recent Sentencing for 8 Involved in SoCal Flash Rob
The eight individuals convicted in the Southern California flash mob robbery spree faced a range of criminal penalties and charges at their sentencing in July 2024. The charges stemmed from their involvement in a series of smash-and-grab robberies that targeted stores across Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties between May and August 2023.
The combined value of the stolen merchandise exceeded $1.7 million, highlighting the significant scale and impact of their criminal activities. The specific penalties for each defendant varied based on their individual roles in the robberies, the number of incidents they participated in, and their criminal histories. However, all eight individuals received prison sentences:
- Jordan Harris received the longest sentence of 10 years and four months of imprisonment. He pled guilty to two counts of grand theft because of his involvement in robbing YSL and Nordstrom.
- Briana Jiminez received the shortest sentence of one year of imprisonment, followed by felony probation. She pled guilty to robbery and grand theft.
Talk with Our Defense Attorneys
The attorneys at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC can help clients facing state and federal charges. With over a century of collective experience, we have proven skills to help you navigate your case. We take a team-based, client-centered approach to building your defense, which means you benefit from our collaboration in developing a strategy that is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
Get in touch with our team today. Call (949) 251-0330.