Two Romanian nationals charged in Long Island jewelry theft spree

Two Romanian nationals, Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, and Rudi Lacatusu, 28, have been charged with grand larceny following a series of jewelry thefts in Nassau County, Long Island.

According to police, the pair targeted a 73-year-old woman outside her Valley Stream home using a distraction tactic. Mirabela Lacatusu allegedly asked the victim for directions to a wholesale club before requesting to hug the woman and offering her two fake gold necklaces as gifts. During the embrace, Mirabela reportedly unclasped and stole the victim’s genuine $2,000 gold necklace.

The suspects, who reside in Ontario, Canada, were linked to several similar ‘hug-and-run’ thefts throughout the county. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Both individuals were released on desk appearance tickets and are scheduled to return to court on October 20.