Boozy Bonnie and Clyde? Authorities Recover Almost $200K of Goods, Including Dom Pérignon Champagne, in Couple’s Home

A couple was arrested and charged with grand theft after authorities discovered $200,000 worth of stolen goods in their home. Some of the goods included bottles of Dom Pérignon Champagne. (Photo: Marcus Brandt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Saturday that a couple in San Marcos, California, were charged with grand theft after almost $200,000 of stolen goods — including Dom Pérignon champagne — were found in their home.

The couple, John Michael Mastrobuono and Jenise Christine Mastrobuono, both pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday in court. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the charge would lead to a prison sentence of up to three years.

After investigating a string of retail thefts in the North County area which took place at Target stores from September 2022 to mid-February, law enforcement requested a warrant for the couple’s home.

The police did not specify how they identified the couple, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, which reported that some of the wines recovered besides the pricey champagne included bottles of Inglenook and Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decanter reported in July that wine heists are somewhat… in vogue?

As prices of luxury goods like wine continue to increase, thieves with discerning palates have turned their attention to these boozy bottles.

“I think this is directly tied to increasing publicity about the asset value of fine wine,” Decanter Burgundy correspondent Charles Curtis MW said. “Relatively few [names] get mentioned, and I think that they are disproportionately targeted.”

In January, thieves stole up to $20,000 of rare wines and scotches in a heist that took place in Salt Lake City.

Also in January, $1.5 million of wine disappeared from the “oldest restaurant in Paris.” The restaurant was the inspiration for Chef Gusteau’s restaurant in the Disney movie “Ratatouille.” There were no signs of a break-in, proving the thieves were stealthy in addition to having good taste in wine.

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