Queens prosecutors and New York officials announced arrests tied to a theft ring accused of stealing $2.2 million from Home Depot stores in nine states. Investigators documented more than 300 thefts at 128 locations and have recovered about $1.5 million in merchandise so far. The Queens-based crew, allegedly led by Armando Diaz, reportedly used carts, bins and earpieces to conceal and coordinate thefts before reselling items through a Brooklyn storefront and online. Eleven members were arraigned on a 780-count indictment; one suspect remains at large and another will be arraigned later.
Nearly Entire Theft Ring Busted After Allegedly Stealing $2.2M From 128 Home Depot Stores Across 9 States
Governor Kathy Hochul/FacebookMembers charged in Home Depot crime ring
Officials announced on Dec. 11 that investigators have arrested almost all members of a Queens-based organized theft ring accused of stealing $2.2 million in merchandise from Home Depot locations across nine states. Prosecutors say the group carried out more than 300 documented thefts at 128 stores and that law enforcement has recovered roughly $1.5 million worth of goods so far.
QUEENS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYQueens District Attorney Melinda Katz announces Home Depot crime ring bust
Investigation and Arrests
The Queens District Attorney's office and New York State officials revealed the probe — dubbed "Operation Self Checkout" by prosecutors — identified 13 alleged members. Authorities say 11 defendants were arraigned on Dec. 10 on a 780-count indictment that includes charges such as fourth-degree conspiracy, first-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. One suspect remains at large and another is in custody on a separate matter and will be arraigned later.
Governor Kathy Hochul/FacebookPhotos showing the timeline and mugshots of the members of the Home Depot crime ring
How the Ring Allegedly Operated
Prosecutors named 52-year-old Armando Diaz as the group's alleged leader. Investigators say the crew routinely met at about 5:30 a.m. to plan thefts and then hit Home Depot stores in New York and eight other states. Reportedly, daily hauls ranged from about $1,800 to $35,000, and the group sometimes returned to the same store multiple times in a day.
Governor Kathy Hochul/YouTubeSecurity footage of the Home Depot crime ring in action
According to the indictment and surveillance footage released by officials, members concealed targeted items inside shopping carts or large garbage bins, wheeled them out of stores, and coordinated via earpieces so each person could act like an unrelated shopper. Stolen items most commonly included air conditioners, insulation kits, reflective roof coating, power tools, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, saws, Bluetooth speakers, bolt cutters and handheld blowers.
Resale and Recovery
Authorities say the stolen merchandise was resold through a Brooklyn storefront and on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace. So far, officials have catalogued about $1.5 million in recovered goods; that total may rise as investigators continue processing evidence.
Official Reactions
Scott Glenn, The Home Depot's Vice President of Asset Protection, said the ring's actions caused multimillion-dollar losses and praised prosecutors and state police for dismantling the alleged enterprise.
Next Steps
The defendants face a sweeping indictment and, if convicted, could face serious penalties. Prosecutors and law enforcement continue investigating recovered items and pursuing any remaining suspects.
