Irvine Police Department detectives teamed up with the OCDA Organized Retail Theft Unit and private security partners to apprehend a thief with a penchant for high-end clothing and shoes.
This fashion faux pas artist targeted stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom, and Nordstrom Rack, flaunting her flair for theft across Orange County, including four less-than-glamorous heists in Irvine.
On Wednesday, Ekaterina Zharkova, 40, of Lake Forest, was arrested outside her home. Inside, hundreds of stolen items valued at over $100,000 were discovered. Store loss prevention teams assisted in identifying and cataloging the property. Much of her loot was returned to store representatives. One store had to rent a U-Haul to transport its property.
Zharkova was booked for grand theft, with bail enhancement. While she may have thought crime was the latest trend, our detectives are always one step ahead because when it comes to crime, orange jumpsuits will never go out of style. And no, Orange County Jail is not issuing 800-thread-count sheets.
The surname Zharkova is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, with roots in Russia or Ukraine. It is the feminine form of the surname Zharkov. The name is derived from the Russian word “zharko,” meaning “hot” or “warm,” potentially referring to geographical features or temperament.
Here’s a summary of the penalties Ekaterina Zharkova could face:
Grand Theft (California Penal Code § 487)
- Theft of property worth more than $950.
- Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- If the stolen property is worth over $50,000, $200,000, or $1 million, additional prison time (1–3 years) can be added.
Bail Enhancement (Penal Code § 12022.1)
- If she committed this crime while out on bail for another felony, she could get an extra 2 years in prison, served consecutively.
Repeat Offender Penalties (Penal Code § 666.1)
- If she has prior theft convictions, even petty theft can be charged as a felony.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail or state prison time.
Other Consequences
- She may have to pay restitution to the stores.
- If she’s not a U.S. citizen, she could face deportation.
- She could be banned from entering the stores she stole from.