BOSTON — Essie Billingslea, 34, was sentenced to two years in jail last week after violating probation and stealing over $30,000 worth of merchandise from Victoria’s Secret and Lululemon. Billingslea was charged with three counts of larceny over $1,200 following thefts in Boston during the summer.
Billingslea’s criminal activities began on August 27, when he stole $1,558.50 worth of merchandise from Victoria’s Secret on Huntington Ave. Two days later, he stole $29,120 worth of leggings from Lululemon on Newbury St., using T.J. Maxx shopping bags to carry the stolen goods. A third incident occurred on September 4 at a Lululemon store on Boylston St., where Billingslea stole leggings valued at $3,200.
Billingslea was arrested and identified by investigators as the man responsible for these crimes, based on a pattern of similar offenses. With a criminal history of 20 prior larceny-related convictions since 2021, he had previously pleaded guilty to retail larceny charges in July, receiving a suspended sentence. His probation violation led to his current two-year prison sentence.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden emphasized that a small percentage of repeat offenders contribute to a significant portion of shoplifting crimes, underscoring the need for increased awareness and safety measures at retail locations.
