Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced in a release that 13 defendants were charged in a 780-count indictment with grand larceny, conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property for operating a stolen goods and fencing ring that targeted Home Depot locations in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Members of the Queens-based theft crew allegedly stole building supplies, power tools, smoke alarms, air conditioners, laundry detergent, paper towels and other goods in 319 documented thefts, totaling more than $2.2 million, during a 13-month period. The items were then sold to black market retailers, known as fences, who allegedly ordered specific items to be stolen and then resold those goods to consumers.
District Attorney Katz said: “Thirteen defendants, over $2.2 million in merchandise, 319 incidents of theft, nine states and 128 separate Home Depot stores are the facts alleged, resulting in a 780-count indictment. The defendants took breaks for lunch and dinner, sometimes hitting the same Home Depot up to four times in one day. The stolen items were then resold to consumers, through a Brooklyn storefront or on Facebook Marketplace. Working with our partners at the New York State Police, we brought this brazen operation to a halt. I thank Governor Hochul for signing laws that provide prosecutors’ offices with tools to more efficiently investigate, and more effectively charge, organized retail theft and fencing operations.”
Governor Kathy Hochul said: “Since taking office, my highest priority has been driving down crime and keeping New Yorkers safe. Following a post-pandemic spike in retail theft, I committed new funds to establish a dedicated retail theft task force and secured stronger laws to hold people who commit these crimes accountable. With stronger laws and better support for District Attorneys, local police departments, and the State Police, we’re stopping organized retail theft rings in their tracks and ensuring a safer retail environment for business owners, staff, and shoppers throughout New York.”…