LAS VEGAS - Investigators cracked a youthful burglary ring that preyed on Hollywood's rich and famous, often brazenly walking into their unlocked homes to make off with cash, jewels and family heirlooms, authorities said.
A suspect turned informant told police that a 19-year-old woman was the "driving force" in the thefts, motivated by a desire own the designer clothes and jewelry of such celebrities as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.
According to a Las Vegas police search warrant obtained by The Associated Press on Friday, Nicholas Prugo told Los Angeles police detectives that Rachel Jungeon Lee spearheaded the break-ins.
Prugo told police Lee, 19, would suggest a target, then Prugo would trawl the Internet for information about where they lived and when they would be away from home. Las Vegas police were involved because Lee lives there.
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Officials said Lee was booked on a charge of possession of stolen property charge and released after posting $3,000 bail. Prosecutors in Los Angeles asked police to investigate her further. She could not immediately be reached Friday for comment.
Police say the Lee and Prugo were part of a group of at least six that stole from October 2008 until September.
After watching a house, they would break into the poorly protected properties, often by simply walking through unlocked doors.
Prugo said they removed cash, narcotics and thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, including family heirlooms.