Two Albany residents have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a high-profile smash-and-grab theft at an Ulta Beauty store in the Hudson Valley. The incident led to a high-speed police chase and uncovered a larger organized retail crime operation.
Jonneasia Welcome, 21, and Kamel Pickens, 33, were sentenced in Ulster County Court on March 20 after pleading guilty to grand larceny. Both received prison terms of up to three years.
Theft and High-Speed Chase
Investigators found that Welcome and Pickens, along with several minors, traveled from Albany to the Ulta Beauty store in Ulster in October 2023. They stole over 100 high-end items, including luxury perfumes, valued at more than $10,000. Surveillance footage captured the group wearing masks and ransacking the store.
Pickens, who acted as the getaway driver, led police on a high-speed chase that resulted in damage to a New York State Police vehicle before continuing onto the Thruway. Authorities later recovered the stolen merchandise and impounded the vehicle used in the crime.
Organized Retail Crime Ring Uncovered
Following the arrests, investigators from the Capital District Crime Analysis Center identified Pickens as the alleged leader of a larger organized retail theft ring based in Albany. Prosecutors stated that he recruited young women and minors to carry out similar thefts at retail stores across multiple counties.
Prosecutor’s Statement and Sentencing
Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji emphasized the seriousness of these crimes, stating that such thefts pose significant risks to employees, law enforcement, and the general public.
Pickens has remained in custody without bail at the Ulster County Jail since February 2024 due to his suspected involvement in multiple thefts across different jurisdictions.
The case highlights the growing issue of organized retail crime and law enforcement’s efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
