In September 2025, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force began an investigation after The Home Depot reported a fraud and theft scheme. The main suspect is accused of tampering with merchandise and returning altered products for new ones. Authorities link this method to hundreds of incidents in California, with reported losses of over $900,000.
The investigation involved the Sacramento Police Department and Placer County District Attorney’s Office. Officials identified several individuals connected to the case. Search warrants were served in cities including Baldwin Park and Hayward. Police recovered about $307,000 in suspected stolen goods, $59,000 in cash, and 12 firearms. The recovered merchandise has been returned to retailers…