Two Rochester women have now been sent to prison for their roles in the theft of thousands of dollars in merchandise from area Ulta Beauty locations.
Nahzaire N. Murray, 23, was sentenced Wednesday before State Supreme Court Paul B. Wojtaszek to 1 2/3 to 5 years in prison. Earlier this year, her co-defendant, Kashmonay U. Holley, 25, of Rochester, received an indeterminate sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison.
On numerous occasions between March 7, 2023 and Aug. 24, 2023, the defendants, while acting in concert with one another, stole merchandise valued in excess of $50,000 from Ulta Beauty locations throughout Erie County. The pair is suspected of taking items from Ultas in neighboring counties and over the course of six months, Holley admitted to stealing merchandise valued at approximately $73,397. Murray admitted to stealing approximately $93,043 in merchandise.
Holley and Murray pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree grand larceny (Class “C” felony), the highest sustainable charge, on Nov. 6. Holley and Murray signed Confessions of Judgment to pay full restitution to the retailer.
“Retail theft is financially devastating for stores, especially our small business owners. In addition to the negative economic impact for local businesses and our community, I am deeply concerned about the serious threat that thieves pose to the safety of employees and customers. I want the residents of Erie County to know that retail crime with not be tolerated and I am committed to holding shoplifters, particularly repeat offenders, accountable,” said Erie County DA John Flynn said.
He commended the New York State Police and the Amherst Police Department for their work in these investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions (SIP) Bureau.