Romanian couple arrested in multi-state jewelry theft targeting seniors
Romanian nationals Rudi Lacatusu and Mirabela Lacatusu were taken into ICE custody after being linked to at least 14 necklace thefts in four states.
The Department of Homeland Security identified Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, Romanian citizens as suspects in a series of jewelry thefts that spanned New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland. Authorities say the duo carried out at least 14 robberies, targeting seniors and taking necklaces valued between $2,000 and $3,000 each. In one case on Oct. 5, a woman in Valley Stream, New York, was approached for directions; after assisting, the female passenger hugged her and placed two gold-colored necklaces on her before the victim discovered her own $2,000 necklace missing.
Police linked the couple to similar thefts in Franklin Square and East Meadow. Each is charged with three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny and has been transferred to ICE custody. DHS officials used the arrests to criticize New York’s sanctuary policies, claiming they enable illegal-alien crime.
Why it matters
The case shows how seniors can be duped and fuels debate over sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement.
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