13 indicted for allegedly stealing millions of dollars in goods from Home Depot stores in 9 states

NEW YORK (WABC) – Authorities conducted a major crackdown on organized retail crime that crossed multiple state lines.

Earlier this week, New York officials announced the bust of a highly coordinated theft ring that targeted more than 100 Home Depot stores.

Some instances involved thieves who would break into a locked cage to steal power tools. Others would conceal stolen goods in a garbage bin before it was rolled out of the store.

It is part of a large Queens-based criminal operation, the New York governor and local leaders announced.

“This crew was amazingly coordinated, disciplined, meticulous and dedicated,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Thirteen people have been charged in a 780-count indictment for stealing and fencing more than $2 million worth of goods from Home Depot stores in New York and eight other states.

The suspects face grand larceny, conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property charges.

Police seized tools, building supplies and home goods, but it’s just a fraction of what authorities said was stolen between August 2024 and September of this year.

“According to the indictment, Armando Diaz would decide on which items to be stolen by the Home Depots by checking their in-store inventory online, sometimes doing the same Home Depot four times in one day,” Katz explained.

Authorities said a member of the theft ring would often provide a distraction in the store so the thieves could leave undetected.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the takedown is thanks in part to stronger larceny laws that allowed investigators to combine incidents, turning cases from misdemeanors to felonies.

“Since we changed the laws and put money behind this effort, retail theft crimes are down 14% in the city and across the state of New York,” Hochul said.

Home Depot said for years this prolific organized retail crime resulted in multimillion dollar losses.

Eleven of the suspects faced a judge this past week.

“You commit these crimes, we’re coming after you,” the governor added.

Police said they are still searching for one of the defendants who remains at large.

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