Queens District Attorney Melissa Katz said Thursday 11 of 13 defendants accused of running a theft and fencing ring that targeted Home Depot stores have been arrested.
The defendants are part of what she said was the largest retail theft takedown in the borough. The defendants face a 780-count indictment, and the DA’s office says the alleged thieves stole $2.2 million of merchandise.
What You Need To Know
Queens District Attorney Melissa Katz said Thursday 11 of 13 defendants accused of running a theft and fencing ring that targeted Home Depot stores have been arrested
The defendants are part of what she said was the largest retail theft takedown in the borough
The defendants face a 780-count indictment, and the DA’s office says the alleged thieves stole $2.2 million of merchandise during 319 separate thefts
Katz credits Gov. Kathy Hochul with signing laws that allow prosecutors to charge crimes like this more aggressively
Prosecutors said they entered Home Depot locations, distracted staff and filled up large garbage bins and carts with building supplies, power tools, smoke alarms, air conditioners, laundry detergent, paper towels and other goods during 319 separate thefts.
The crew then resold the stolen goods to consumers through a storefront, storage facility, online or on the street, according to investigators.
“Our special investigations unit began this case in April of 2024 after identifying large amounts of Home Depot merchandise being sold online,” Major James Brown of the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit said.
Katz credits Gov. Kathy Hochul with signing laws that allow prosecutors to charge crimes like this more aggressively.
“There are people spending every single hour trying to rip off other people, and the result is your prices are higher,” Hochul said. “That’s a fact. Because stores have to figure out how to absorb these costs.”
All defendants are charged with conspiracy in the fourth degree, while other charges range from grand larceny in the first degree, to criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree and other crimes. Prosecutors say all the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The Queens DA’s office says it worked with state police to arrest the defendants, who were arraigned Wednesday.
If convicted, the defendants charged with theft face up to 25 years in prison. Those accused of fencing — buying and reselling stolen goods — could face up to 15 years in prison.
Hochul says billions of dollars worth of merchandise is lost each year in the U.S. due to retail theft.