Michelle Mack, the woman charged with masterminding a theft ring known as the “California Girls,” is desperately trying to unload the San Diego-area mansion where she allegedly based her criminal activities.

The home in Bonsall, CA, hit the market in mid-February. The price was slashed twice in the 10 days after that, before landing at its current $2.75 million ask.

Mack is accused of working with up to 12 women to steal nearly $8 million worth of fashion and beauty products from national retailers—including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Prada, Victoria’s Secret, Sunglass Hut, and LensCrafters—and then selling the purloined goods online.

Mack listed her 3.2-acre, Mediterranean-style estate in the North San Diego County hills about two months after she and her husband, Kenneth, were led from the home in handcuffs. A search of the residence revealed the four-car garage was packed with well-organized boxes. Inside those boxes were items allegedly stolen by her ring,

Investigators found more than $300,000 worth of cosmetics, designer bags, and sunglasses inside the home. There were also hundreds of postmarked envelopes stuffed with stolen goods, ready to be mailed to customers who purchased the items from an Amazon store Mack is accused of running

She and her husband, along with nine other defendants, have been charged with 136 felony counts of grand theft, two counts of receiving stolen property, one count of conspiracy, and one count of organized retail crime.

Could the Michelle Mack crime complicate her home sale?

With legal expenses and charges mounting, it’s no surprise that the couple listed the 4,524-square-foot home they purchased for $2,285,000 in 2021. Although a quick, all-cash deal would probably be preferable in this case, property records reveal the sale is complicated by what’s known as a “lis pendens.”

Under California law, a lis pendens is a notice that there is a pending lawsuit filed against the owner of the property that could affect the title. If someone buys the property knowing about the lawsuit, they could be held responsible for paying the judgement against it when the lawsuit is settled. This could also make a real estate agent reluctant to even show a property, if a notice of lis pendens has been filed.

Extraordinary estate

Aside from its legal entanglements, the property is appealing. It’s listed as a “wine estate,” because of its vineyard planted with more than 1,600 prestigious Montepulciano vines, which the listing claims are currently professionally managed. There’s also a winery with a 300-year-old Sicilian tile crest and a cellar. The winery is equipped an 1,800-bottle storage capacity and oak barrels for aging.

While it doesn’t appear the Macks established a wine-making business, the compound did provide additional income. Neighbors reported the Macks occasionally rented out the property for weddings and other special events. There is also a stone chapel/reflection room with stained-glass windows and handcarved, Indian temple doors on the premises.

The main house features stone and wood floors, walls, and accents. Colorful stained-glass windows and tiles can be found throughout.

The spacious primary suite is distinguished by a fireplace, a kitchenette with a sink, a massive closet, and a posh bath space. A balcony off of the suite offers an unobstructed view of the grounds below and the valley beyond.

The luxe home is situated on a hillside surrounding by remarkable views. Adjacent to the pool is a stone entertainment terrace and pavilion with reclaimed Ionic pillars, a custom fireplace, and a barbecue. The grounds include many serene sitting areas, lined by stone walls and connected by stone bridges. Citrus, olive, and cypress trees provide shade.

Visitors can stay in the one-bedroom, one-bath casita, which overlooks the pool and offers a kitchenette and fireplace.

Aside from Mack’s legal issues, the property appears to come with everything a Southern California wine lover could desire.

The post Michelle Mack of ‘California Girls’ Cosmetics Theft Ring Desperately Tries To Unload San Diego Mansion appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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