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Glendale Pair Arrested in Alleged $300,000 Nordstrom Counterfeit-Return Scheme

A clerk’s catch of a fake return triggered a joint probe that mapped a years-long pattern of refunded fakes.

Overview

  • Glendale police announced the arrests Thursday, alleging a scheme dating to 2019 that targeted Nordstrom and may have cost the retailer more than $300,000.
  • A Nordstrom employee in February 2026 flagged a suspicious return at the Americana at Brand store, which set off the investigation.
  • After Nordstrom contacted police in March, detectives executed an April 22 search warrant at the suspects’ home and seized designer goods, counterfeit items, tags, and identifiable stolen property.
  • Investigators say the pair made more than 224 purchases, kept the authentic merchandise, returned counterfeit versions in store and through a distribution center, and resold the originals online, including on Poshmark.
  • Confirmed losses have reached about $50,000 as more fraudulent returns were identified, and both suspects face felony theft-related charges with arraignment set for Aug. 31, 2026.