2nd Woman Sought in Wedding Thefts

San Diego County Sheriff's Deputies have issued a $100,000 arrest warrant for Denise Burns

Law enforcement authorities in two Southern California counties are searching for a second woman in a series of thefts reported by brides and wedding guests.

Denise Burns has been identified as the so-called "Bridal Bandit", a woman captured on store security cameras using stolen credit cards belonging to brides and bridesmaids just hours, and in some cases minutes, after they disappeared.

Now, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department officials say a friend of Burns, Sheila Russo, is wanted as a co-conspirator in the crime spree.

Russo, 51, is accused of using the stolen identities, officials told NBC 7 Tuesday.

Detective Rich Holder said Burns shows up at wedding ceremonies and then steals wallets, credit cards and personal identification cards belonging to the wedding party, wedding coordinator and other guests.

NBC 7 first reported on this crime spree in July after newlywed Michelle Tietz posted surveillance pictures on her Facebook page to solve the theft of her credit cards during her Temecula wedding.

“I walked out of the bridal suite about 6:08 pm and the first charge was 6:32,” said Tietz.

She said someone charged $1,400 at various stops beginning with a gas station along State Route 76 and then at a number of stores in Escondido including Target, T.J. Maxx, Albertsons and CVS.

That Facebook post connected Tietz with Yvette Lynch, the catering director at Santee’s Carlton Oaks Golf Course, who says her wallet was stolen from her purse in her office during a wedding.

Officials released surveillance video showing Burns walking around the golf course on the day of the theft, allegedly posing as a lost guest.

Credit cards of the victims have been used at large retailers like Costco, Walmart and Target to buy gift cards and other related items, Holder said.

“Burns knows there’s a short window in which once the card is stolen that she may have only a few hours or even a few minutes to get out there and start conducting unauthorized transactions from these victims,” Holder said.

An $100,000 arrest warrant has been issued for Denise Burns by San Diego County Sheriff's Deputies who are investigating several incidents.

Now, officials say Russo is wanted in the crime spree as well.

“It’s believed Miss Burns has provided the victims’ personal information to her,” Holder said.

Both women have lengthy criminal histories, he said.

If Burns is found and arrested, it wouldn’t be the first time she is accused of hitting up unsuspecting victims. The lead detective on the case confirms Burns was charged back in 2012 with sneaking into teachers’ classrooms in Temecula and stealing their wallets when they were out of class.

Russo faces charges ranging from identity theft and forgery to burglary.

Deputies say they plan to share the photos of the suspect with area wineries in the hopes of solving the case.

If you have any information about this case, contact NBC 7 Investigates at (619) 578-0393.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line is (951) 955-2400. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line is (858) 565-5200.

Contact Us