Monroe County women plead guilty for stealing nearly $170,000 in merchandise from beauty supply chain in Erie County

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 24-year-old Kashmonay U. Holley and 23-year-old Nahzaire N. Murray, both of Rochester, pleaded guilty this morning before State Supreme Court Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of grand larceny in the second degree (class “C” felony). Both defendants pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.

On numerous occasions between March 7 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.

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 during the same time period. Holley and Murray, who are suspected of committing similar crimes in neighboring counties, signed confessions of judgment to pay full restitution to the retailer.

Murray is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 21. Holley is scheduled to be sentenced the following day. Both defendants, who face a maximum of 15 years in prison, were remanded pending sentence.

“Retail theft is financially devastating for stores, especially our small business owners,” Flynn said. “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 will not be tolerated, and I am committed to holding shoplifters, particularly repeat offenders, accountable.”

The DA commends 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.