Influencer Accused in $33K Palm Beach Hotel Burglary

Gino Gusich and a woman were arrested for allegedly stealing luxury goods from a hotel room.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a luxury designer handbag handle, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative mood without any text or identifiable elements.A high-profile influencer's alleged involvement in a hotel room burglary exposes the risks of social media fame and the need for heightened security measures.Palm Beach Today

Influencer Gino Gusich, known online as @hellandahandbag, was arrested along with a 35-year-old woman on suspicion of burglary after allegedly stealing over $33,000 worth of luxury items from a hotel room at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. The pair were captured on security cameras entering the room and later confronted by the victim, at which point they returned the stolen goods.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks of social media influencers potentially abusing their platform and public profile for criminal activity. It also raises questions about hotel security and guest safety, especially in high-end luxury properties.

The details

According to police affidavits, Gusich and the woman, identified as Stephanie Lichay, entered a hotel room without permission and stole a Hermès mini Kelly bag valued at around $32,000, a Chanel purse worth $1,500, and other luxury items. The victim confronted the pair, who then returned the stolen goods. Both Gusich and Lichay were arrested and charged with burglary, with additional charges for Gusich and Lichay.

  • On Sunday, April 12, the Palm Beach Police Department responded to reports of a burglary at the Breakers Hotel.
  • Gusich and Lichay were arrested at 2:26 a.m. and booked around 10 a.m.

The players

Gino Gusich

A social media influencer known online by the username @hellandahandbag, whose now-unavailable Instagram account had 366,000 followers.

Stephanie Lichay

A 35-year-old woman who was arrested along with Gusich and is also facing charges.

The Breakers Hotel

A luxury hotel in Palm Beach, Florida where the alleged burglary took place.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to grant bail for Gusich and Lichay at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for social media influencers to abuse their public profiles for criminal activities, as well as the need for heightened security measures at high-end hotels to protect guests and their belongings.