QUEENS, NEW YORK – Authorities arrested 13 suspects in Queens in connection with a massive theft ring that allegedly targeted hundreds of Home Depot stores across nine states, seizing $2.2 million in stolen merchandise.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed individuals removing items from store shelves and pushing large bins or pallets of stolen goods out of the stores without paying. Officials described the operation as highly organized, with suspects returning daily to repeat the thefts. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the scheme “the largest and most brazen retail spree that we have ever prosecuted.”
Evidence displayed at a Thursday press event included power drills, tape measures, smoke alarms, air conditioners, and other household items. Law enforcement said the ring carried out 319 separate thefts at up to 128 Home Depot locations.
The alleged ringleader, Armando Diaz, and other suspects would meet in a Queens parking lot each morning before traveling to selected stores based on inventory levels. Stolen items were returned to the city daily, stored in warehouses or apartments, and then resold online.
Authorities reported that the daily thefts ranged from $1,800 to nearly $35,000, and about $1.5 million in merchandise has been recovered so far. Convictions could bring the top ringleaders up to 25 years in prison.
Queens District Attorney Katz emphasized the impact on ordinary shoppers, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the thefts ultimately drive up retail prices for consumers.