Overview
- Thirteen defendants were charged after prosecutors documented 319 thefts at 128 Home Depot stores across New York and eight other states, totaling more than $2.2 million.
- Eleven suspects have been arrested and arraigned, one will be arraigned later, and one remains at large, with theft charges carrying potential sentences of up to 25 years in prison.
- Investigators say the crew met near dawn in Queens, selected targets via Home Depot’s website and app, coordinated over earbuds, and used distractions and large bins to move goods out of stores.
- Searches of three homes, 14 storage units and eight vehicles recovered about $1.5 million in merchandise, with the inventory count continuing as evidence is processed.
- Authorities allege five fences ordered specific items and resold them through a Brooklyn storefront and online marketplaces, with common goods including power tools, air conditioners and smoke‑carbon monoxide detectors.