Queens Indictment Targets Ring That Stole $2.2 Million From Home Depot
A 780 count indictment unsealed in Queens charged 13 people in a multi state theft ring accused of stealing more than $2.2 million in merchandise from Home Depot stores across nine states. The case highlights mounting pressure on retailers and their employees as prosecutors say the group used daily planning and resale networks to move high value goods, prompting increased law enforcement and loss prevention activity.
A sprawling criminal case announced December 11 charged 13 people in connection with what prosecutors described as an organized retail theft ring that carried out 319 documented theft incidents from August 2024 through September 2025. The indictment alleges the group targeted 128 Home Depot locations across nine states and stole more than $2.2 million worth of merchandise.
Prosecutors detailed a pattern of coordinated activity, saying members used lists of targeted items and daily planning to remove high value home improvement goods from stores. Stolen items listed in filings included power tools, air conditioners, insulation, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Investigators allege many items were then resold through fences, a Brooklyn storefront, and online marketplaces. Some individual thefts reportedly netted up to roughly $35,000 in a single incident.
Eleven defendants were arraigned after the indictment was filed. One defendant remained at large and another was expected to be arraigned at a later date. Officials highlighted recovery efforts and said the case was built in coordination with the New York State Police Organized Retail Theft Task Force and other partners. Prosecutors framed the action as part of a broader state push to reduce retail theft and protect workers, shoppers, and businesses.
For Home Depot employees, the case underscores rising operational and safety challenges inside stores. Workers in loss prevention and sales floors face increased risk of confrontations, higher workloads tied to shrink control, and new protocols as retailers tighten security. Store managers may see stepped up inventory controls, changes to how high value items are displayed and secured, and closer cooperation with law enforcement after incidents.
The indictment also signals a focus on the resale networks that fuel retail theft, a development that could lead to further enforcement actions and shifts in retailer strategy. For front line workers, enforcement offers potential relief if it reduces repeat theft incidents, but many employees can expect continued changes to store procedures and security measures while retailers seek to protect merchandise and ensure staff safety.
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