Police Arrest Members of “The Blessings Crew” for Months-Long Series of Thefts and Robberies

Pasadena Police detectives arrested a man and a woman in connection to an eight-month-long string of robberies and thefts in Pasadena perpetrated in a so-called “blessing scam.”

Detectives connected the pair to at least seven incidents in Pasadena since last July where the suspects allegedly claimed to be of religious faith and distracted their victims by offering “religious blessings” and prayers while robbing them.

28-year-old Pamela Linu and 33-year-old Gheorghe Aronel were arrested Wednesday in Baldwin Park at a motel where they were staying, according to a police statement.

During the operation, the police, armed with a search warrant, discovered in the motel room money and stolen property from Pasadena victims. 

Their 8-year-old son was taken into protective custody by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. 

The Pasadena police investigation revealed that the suspects were part of an organized crime ring called “The Blessings Crew” which targets mainly Spanish-speaking population, across multi-jurisdictions and several states.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed three counts of robbery against both suspects. Their bail was set at $150,000 each on Friday, March 25. 

Pasadena Police detectives urge anyone with information about the case to call (626) 744-4241. Members of the community may report the information anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477).