Four men were sentenced for their involvement in an organized retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot stores across Southern California.
The group conspired to steal merchandise from over 60 Home Depot stores across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties, according to the California Attorney General’s Office.
The thieves were identified as:
- Jose Delasancha, 34
- Luis Delasancha, 33
- Agustin Garfiaz, 28
- Everardo Carillo-Avilez, 42
From October 2021 to February 2023, brothers Jose Delasancha and Luis Delasancha would visit Home Depot stores and head straight to the hardware department. They used theft tools to unlock security devices that were securing the most expensive power tools, prosecutors said.
Oftentimes, they would clear an entire shelf of merchandise, placing all the tools inside a shopping cart and exiting the store without paying, court documents said.
Authorities said the brothers had stolen over $82,000 worth of merchandise over the years.
The brothers would sell the stolen power tools to Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz, who then resold the items online for profit.
All four men were arrested for their involvement in the theft scheme and a 60-count felony complaint was filed against them. On May 22, the AG’s Office announced that Jose Delasancha pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and was sentenced to eight years in state prison.
Luis Delasancha pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and was sentenced to four years in state prison.
Carillo-Avilez pleaded guilty to organized retail theft and was sentenced to two years felony probation. Garfiaz pleaded guilty to organized retail theft and receiving stolen property and was sentenced to two years felony probation.
“At the California Department of Justice, we are fighting organized crime in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “If you steal from businesses to line your own pockets, we will hold you accountable. I am thankful for my team and all the tireless work that went into this case. We will not tolerate theft that puts our communities and businesses at risk.”
