A Boston College student is facing charges after allegedly stealing more than $45,000 worth of luxury merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue at the Prudential Center, according to court documents. Justin Smith, 22, a current employee of the high-end retailer, was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Wednesday, charged with larceny over $1,200. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance.
The incident unfolded when police were called to the store around 7:10 p.m. on Monday. An employee reported observing Smith on security footage earlier that afternoon around 4:30 p.m., loading numerous handbags into two black Saks Fifth Avenue bags in the stockroom. According to the police report, Smith had accessed the stockroom by taking a key from the security office.
After he left the store, two colleagues followed him and observed him meeting a silver Toyota containing at least four other individuals. As Smith approached the car, one of the men opened the door and gestured for him to enter. However, before Smith could get into the vehicle, the two employees intervened, escorting him back to the store’s security room. He was found carrying 13 handbags and a pair of sunglasses, collectively valued at $25,125.
Further investigation revealed additional thefts from the previous day. Reviewing stockroom security footage from Sunday, another employee saw Smith removing 11 handbags and three wallets, priced at $22,530 in total, and placing them into similar black bags. Smith was then seen leaving the store with a woman.
Smith is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on July 26. Attempts to reach his attorney, Lawrence Fallon Jr., for comment were unsuccessful.
Boston College has acknowledged awareness of the allegations but stated that it could not discuss specifics of student disciplinary actions due to federal privacy laws.