Updated

Updated · Fox News · Oct 13

Romanian Couple Accused in 14 Jewelry Thefts Across 4 States Lands in ICE Custody

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Oct 13

Romanian Couple Accused in 14 Jewelry Thefts Across 4 States Lands in ICE Custody

Q: Why were suspects linked to a multi-state grand larceny scheme initially released with mere appearance tickets before ICE took custody?

They were initially released because Nassau County handled the case under normal New York criminal procedure for the charges filed at that point, issuing desk appearance tickets rather than holding them in local jail. The couple was charged locally with three counts each of fourth-degree grand larceny, tied to necklace thefts in Nassau County. In New York, suspects in some nonviolent property-crime cases are often given appearance tickets directing them to return to court on a set date instead of being detained immediately. The reporting provided does not indicate that Nassau County had yet secured a broader indictment covering all 14 alleged thefts across multiple states when the tickets were issued. Their immigration status was a separate matter. After Nassau police processed the local charges, the pair were transferred to ICE because federal authorities said both had entered the United States illegally. ICE custody was based on immigration enforcement authority, not a reversal of the local criminal charges. So the short answer is that the initial release reflected the local court process for the Nassau grand larceny counts, while ICE later stepped in under federal immigration authority once local police turned them over.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 13

Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, are in ICE custody after Nassau County arrests tied to at least 14 necklace thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, DHS said Tuesday.
Authorities say the Romanian couple targeted elderly victims with distraction tactics—asking for directions, offering hugs or placing fake jewelry—then stole real necklaces worth about $2,000 to $3,000 each.
Nassau police linked the pair to incidents in Valley Stream, Franklin Square and East Meadow; each faces three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, though police had initially issued appearance tickets for an Oct. 20 court date.
DHS used the case to attack New York sanctuary policies and tie it to Operation Rotten Apple, an ICE sweep that arrested 2,197 undocumented immigrants across the state from July 27 to Aug. 29.