14 arrested in connection to largestever Home Depot theft operation Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY August 27, 2025 at 10:09 PM Officials in California announced the arrests of 14 people on Tuesday, Aug.
- - 14 arrested in connection to largest-ever Home Depot theft operation
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY August 27, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Officials in California announced the arrests of 14 people on Tuesday, Aug. 26, in connection to what they called the largest organized retail theft operation in Home Depot's history, with nine of the accused facing felony charges.
During an Aug. 26 news conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the 14 people are allegedly linked to 600 thefts at 71 different Home Depot locations in the region, leading to losses exceeding $10 million.
"They basically had been able to pull off over 600 different thefts from Home Depots in the surrounding counties," Hochman said. "They must have thought life was grand. They've been making millions of dollars, didn't look like anyone was going to stop them."
Officials identified David Ahl, who they said ran a storefront in Tarzana called ARIA Wholesale, as the center of the operation. Authorities said Ahl faces 48 felony counts, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property and money laundering.
According to online records, Ahl is currently in custody at the Ventura County jail with a $500,000 bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Court records do not show a defense attorney for Ahl as of Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Logos are displayed on shopping carts at a Home Depot store in Manhattan in New York City, Feb. 25, 2025.A sophisticated operation
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said during the news conference that Ahl's "boosters" would steal expensive electrical components, such as breakers, dimmers and switches at Home Depot locations in the area. These were then allegedly delivered to Ahl's business or to his house, where they would then be resold.
Apart from Ahl's arrest, police said they also apprehended his brother-in-law, his ex-wife and her boyfriend, who allegedly committed similar crimes. In total, authorities seized about $3.7 million in Home Depot property, as well as $800,000 in cash.
"This wasn't shoplifting. It was a criminal enterprise that allegedly stole millions of dollars, and it was finally stopped here in Ventura County," Erik Nasarenko, Ventura County District Attorney, said during the news conference.
Home Depot Regional Asset Protection Manager Darlene Hermosillo noted how organized retail crime impacts more than just profits.
"It's about protecting the well-being and safety of our customers, our associates and the communities in which we serve," Hermosillo said during the news conference.
USA TODAY contacted Home Depot on Tuesday, Aug. 26, but did not receive an immediate response.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 14 arrested in connection to Home Depot theft ring, officials say
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