Valley Stream, New York — A Romanian couple accused of stealing gold necklaces from elderly victims across four states is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after investigators linked the pair to at least 14 alleged jewelry thefts, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, have been accused of carrying out thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland. DHS described the pair as “Bonnie and Clyde” in its announcement Tuesday, citing allegations that they targeted victims through seemingly friendly encounters.
Authorities say the stolen necklaces were valued at approximately $2,000 to $3,000 each. The investigation has also prompted Nassau County police to warn residents about distraction tactics that can leave victims unaware their jewelry has been taken.
How a Request for Directions Allegedly Led to a $2,000 Theft
One reported incident occurred on October 5, when a 73-year-old woman was standing outside her home in Valley Stream, New York, according to Nassau County police.
A gold Mitsubishi carrying a man and a woman reportedly pulled up near the woman. The female passenger asked for directions to BJ’s Wholesale Club.
After the woman helped with the directions, the passenger allegedly got out of the vehicle and asked to hug her. According to detectives, the passenger then placed two gold-colored necklaces around the woman’s neck.
The encounter initially appeared friendly, but the woman later realized that her own gold necklace was missing. The necklace was reportedly worth approximately $2,000.
Investigators subsequently linked the suspects to similar incidents in Franklin Square and East Meadow, according to the police account.
The alleged encounter illustrates how distraction-based thefts can occur during brief interactions, particularly when a stranger uses a friendly gesture to get close to someone wearing valuable jewelry.
Couple Faces Grand Larceny Charges
Lacatusu and Lacatusu each face three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, according to Nassau County police.
Authorities have connected the pair to at least 14 alleged jewelry thefts across four states, although the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
DHS said Nassau County authorities transferred the couple to ICE custody following their arrests. The department also stated that both individuals entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location.
The agency’s announcement did not specify when ICE took custody of the suspects.
According to Nassau County police, the suspects initially received appearance tickets directing them to appear in court in Hempstead on October 20.
The allegations against the couple have not been proven in court, and the reported charges relate to the incidents identified by local authorities.
DHS Highlights ICE Custody and New York Policies
DHS used the arrests to highlight its immigration enforcement efforts and criticize New York’s sanctuary policies.
“This ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ illegal alien couple from Romania has been charged with grand larceny after allegedly carrying out more than a dozen jewelry thefts across four states,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.
“Thanks to local partners in New York, these illegal aliens are in ICE custody and will be removed from our country.”
Mullin also criticized New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, arguing that sanctuary policies could allow criminal suspects to return to the streets.
DHS characterized New York as a “hotbed of illegal alien crime” under Hochul and claimed the state’s policies had consequences beyond its borders. Those statements reflect the department’s position on immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies.
The announcement followed Operation Rotten Apple, an ICE enforcement operation conducted from July 27 through August 29. DHS reported that officers arrested 2,197 people across New York during the operation, including individuals the department described as murderers, rapists, child predators, drug traffickers and violent assailants.
Police Warn Residents About Jewelry Distraction Scams
Nassau County police are warning residents to remain alert when strangers approach them with unusual requests or offers.
According to the department, distraction tactics may involve strangers offering jewelry or gifts, asking to pray together, requesting change or seeking assistance with a flat tire.
During these interactions, a person may move close enough to remove jewelry directly from a victim’s body while the victim’s attention is elsewhere.
Police urged residents to exercise caution in parking lots and outside grocery stores and to call 911 if they observe suspicious activity.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted in a similar theft can contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
Investigation Draws Attention to Risks for Older Residents
The alleged thefts across four states have placed renewed attention on distraction-based crimes and the importance of recognizing suspicious approaches.
The reported Valley Stream incident began with an ordinary request for directions before the victim allegedly lost a necklace worth thousands of dollars.
Police are encouraging residents, particularly older adults, to remain cautious when unfamiliar people attempt to initiate physical contact or offer unsolicited gifts.
Anyone approached in a similar situation can keep a safe distance, decline unwanted contact and seek assistance if an interaction feels suspicious.
Have you or someone you know encountered a jewelry distraction scam? Share your experience in the comments to help others recognize the warning signs and stay safe.
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