VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — A woman accused of orchestrating a cross-country retail fraud scheme that targeted major stores like Ulta Beauty and HomeGoods has been arrested, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
Shante Monique Allen, 32, of New York, was taken into custody on May 14 in Winnetka, California. She is believed to have committed at least six acts of return fraud in Ventura County alongside an unidentified male accomplice, detectives said.
The investigation began on April 8 when deputies received tips that Allen had allegedly stolen merchandise from an Ulta Beauty store in Moorpark, only to return the items later to collect cash refunds. Authorities say this “return fraud” scheme is a familiar pattern for Allen, who has a known history of similar offenses in New York, where she’s linked to thefts totaling at least $35,000 in merchandise.
During a search of her vehicle at the time of arrest, detectives recovered a large quantity of allegedly stolen goods from both Ulta and HomeGoods stores.
Allen now faces multiple charges including grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and use of false documents. She is scheduled for arraignment on May 29. A warrant has been issued for her unidentified male accomplice.
“This arrest is a result of coordinated efforts by our Organized Retail Theft Task Force, which is focused on reducing property crimes that harm our community,” said the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in a statement.
The task force, composed of officers from various agencies across the county, continues to work closely with retailers and the public to track down suspects involved in retail crime networks.
