Two women from the San Francisco Bay Area were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of stealing high-priced merchandise from a Lake Tahoe ski shop after Placer County Sheriff’s Deputy Christian Jabri recognized their vehicle during a routine traffic stop.
The silver Lexus SUV pulled over outside Tahoe City, California, matched the description of a vehicle connected to multiple shoplifting incidents at Parallel Mountain Sports, a popular gear and clothing retailer near Palisades Tahoe. The thefts, captured on surveillance video, spanned several months, occurring on July 22, August 19, and November 25.
Jabri identified the Lexus and the two women inside—Tatyana Zhukovsky and Clara Michelson, both 68—as suspects tied to the string of thefts. Authorities say security cameras showed the women allegedly stealing more than $1,500 worth of merchandise during their visits to the store in Olympic Valley.
Zhukovsky and Michelson were arrested on December 2 and booked into the Auburn jail on charges of grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime. Both women were released shortly after their arrest.
The suspects have ties to affluent Bay Area communities. According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Zhukovsky and Michelson reside in San Francisco and Hillsborough—a wealthy enclave where the median home price exceeds $7 million. Additionally, online property records reveal that Michelson purchased a home in Incline Village, Nevada, in 2021 for $1.65 million.
The pair declined to comment when contacted Monday by the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Unlikely Suspects
Zhukovsky and Michelson share unexpected backgrounds that sharply contrast with their alleged crimes. Records show that both women were once licensed dentists in California. Their professional history raises questions about their alleged involvement in the thefts and has drawn increased public interest.
The women also made headlines in 2022 when they were plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village. The suit claimed severe physical injuries and mental anguish after a catamaran they were on collided with rocks. The lawsuit was settled earlier this year. At the time of the suit, court documents listed their home address as a multimillion-dollar residence in Hillsborough.
Investigation Ongoing
Parallel Mountain Sports, located near the bustling Palisades Tahoe resort, is a popular destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking high-quality gear and apparel. Shoplifting incidents, particularly those involving high-value items, have become a growing concern for retailers.
Authorities have not disclosed details about the specific merchandise stolen but confirmed the total value exceeded $1,500 across the three incidents. The arrests underscore the critical role of surveillance technology in connecting suspects to thefts and aiding law enforcement in investigations.
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office has not yet released details on Zhukovsky and Michelson’s upcoming court appearances.
The case continues to unfold as residents and business owners in the Lake Tahoe region remain alert to theft-related activities. For now, the arrests of two well-to-do women with surprising backgrounds serve as a reminder that crime can often involve unexpected suspects.