A crime ring has reportedly stolen from Home Depot over 600 times in Southern California, totaling around $4 million in goods each year, according to officials.
On Tuesday, Ventura County authorities announced charges against nine individuals involved in what has been termed the largest theft incident in Home Depot’s history.
On August 14, investigators apprehended 14 suspects and confiscated more than $3.7 million worth of stolen merchandise along with $800,000 in cash described as “dirty money.”
During a press conference, Ventura County officials revealed shocking surveillance footage of gang members taking items from the store.
L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman commented, “On August 13th, they must have thought life was great, making millions without anyone trying to stop them. But by August 14th, their operation collapsed.”
Since the start of the year, the group had targeted 71 Home Depot locations across counties like Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino, reselling the stolen goods at discounted prices.
Authorities believe the group has pilfered at least $10 million from Home Depot over the years.
Five of the charged individuals are reported to be part of a “Booster Crew,” focusing on stealing various electronic items such as dimmer switches and circuit breakers.
The remaining four individuals, referred to as “fences,” assisted in handling and reselling the stolen items.
David Earl, 59, identified as the ringleader, allegedly directed the booster crew to steal and sell goods through his own business. He is facing 45 serious charges, including grand theft and money laundering.
Omid Abrishhamkar, who is related to Earl, reportedly helped resell stolen items on eBay and faces multiple felony counts.
Additionally, Earl’s ex-wife, Lorena Solis, along with her partner Enrique Neira Moreno, were also implicated in assisting with the resale of the stolen goods from a warehouse.
Disturbing surveillance footage shows members of the booster crew, including Ever Bonilla Lopez, using poles to knock over merchandise while stuffing electric breakers, valued at $100 each, into their pockets.
Other accused boosters, Jose Banueros Guerrero and Edwin Rivera, allegedly stole goods worth around $10,000 daily.
Authorities also mentioned Arlyn Hernandez Lopez and Denny Hernandez Gomez as part of another booster crew.
The nine accused individuals could face prison sentences ranging from four to 32 years, while the status of the other five arrested earlier remains unclear. More arrests may occur as the investigation continues.
