A man and two women, described by investigators as a “traveling theft crew,” were arrested in La Puente after allegedly using a distraction to steal a gold necklace from an elderly victim.
The incident occurred on March 2 in the 500 block of Maryland Avenue. Authorities said a 2017 black Ford Explorer with a temporary California plate (ED73E54) stopped in front of the victim’s home. The suspects called the elderly man over, pretending to ask for directions to a local church.
Ionut Constantin, 25, exited the vehicle, placed a fake gold necklace on the victim’s neck, and stole the real one. He returned to the vehicle with the two women, Antratida Barbu, 24, and Monalisa Stoian, 45, before driving away.
All three were taken into custody Wednesday on suspicion of grand theft and elder abuse. Authorities warned that the crew may have other unreported victims in L.A. County and urged anyone with information to come forward.
