They Met at Dawn: How a Home Depot Ring Worked
Imagine a crew so organized, so methodical, they treated retail theft like a full-time job — complete with early-morning meetings, shift breaks, and detailed inventories. This wasn't a Hollywood heist flick. It was a real-life crime spree that stretched across nine states, targeting Home Depot stores with precision and persistence. More than 13 months, this Queens-based ring allegedly pulled off 319 thefts, making off with more than $2.2 million in merchandise, from power tools to air conditioners, before selling the loot on the black market. Now, the curtain has been pulled back on this brazen operation, thanks to a sweeping 780-count indictment announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
The Crew Behind the Crime
At the heart of this elaborate scheme was Armando Diaz, 52, the alleged ringleader who orchestrated the daily operations with military-like discipline. Diaz and twelve others, ranging in age from late 20s to early 60s, formed a tight-knit group that met almost every morning at 5:30 a.m. in a parking lot at 57th Avenue and Hoffman Drive in East Elmhurst, Queens, to plan their so-called "hits." These weren't casual chats — they were strategic sessions where the crew reviewed Home Depot's online inventory, selected targets, and assigned roles for the day's heists.
The team's approach was meticulous. Members would split up inside the stores, communicating with Diaz through earbuds to coordinate their moves. Some distracted employees, while others loaded carts or even large garbage bins with stolen goods. One member, Joana Carolina "La Mona" Fermin, typically stayed outside in a van, acting as a lookout to spot any approaching law enforcement.
A Multi-State Operation
This wasn't a local crime spree. The ring hit 128 Home Depot locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Maryland. Their haul included a wide range of merchandise:
- Power tools
- Air conditioners
- Insulation kits
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Bluetooth speakers
- Roof coating
- Saws
- Bolt cutters
- Handheld blowers
- Copper wire
- Generators
- Lithium-ion batteries
The stolen goods were then funneled through five intermediaries, or "fences," who sold the items on the black market, including through a Brooklyn storefront and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
The scale of the operation was staggering. On some days, the crew walked away with as much as $35,000 worth of merchandise. They even hit the same store multiple times in a single day, taking breaks for lunch and dinner as if it were a legitimate business. Over the course of the investigation, authorities documented more than 300 thefts between August 2024 and September 2025.
How They Got Caught
The investigation began in June 2024 when the Queens DA's office noticed stolen air conditioners from Home Depot during a separate probe. This led to a deeper dive into the crew's activities, with law enforcement executing search warrants at multiple homes, storage units, and vehicles. They recovered a trove of stolen goods valued at approximately $1.5 million — a figure expected to rise as more items are cataloged.
The evidence included security footage showing the crew's coordinated efforts, from the distraction tactics to the swift loading of merchandise into vans and SUVs. The level of organization and discipline was so high that Queens DA Melinda Katz described the crew as "amazingly coordinated, disciplined, meticulous and dedicated," as reported by Gothamist.
Why It Matters
Retail theft isn't just a nuisance; it's a costly problem that affects prices and communities nationwide. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted that such organized crime rings contribute to higher prices for consumers, as stores must absorb the losses. The billions lost annually to retail theft ripple through the economy, making everyday goods more expensive for everyone.
Home Depot's vice president of asset protection acknowledged the significant impact of this crime ring, noting that while this group focused solely on Home Depot, organized retail crime is a widespread issue affecting many large retailers and communities across the country.
The Legal Fallout
The thirteen defendants face serious charges, including conspiracy, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property. Eleven were arraigned on a 780-count indictment, with some facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted. One defendant remains at large, and another is in custody on unrelated charges but will be arraigned later.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how organized crime can infiltrate everyday spaces and the lengths law enforcement must go to dismantle such operations. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between retailers and authorities to protect consumers and communities.
What You Can Take Away
This story isn't just about a crime ring; it's about the intricate dance of planning, execution, and consequences that come with organized retail theft. The "Ocean's 11-style" label isn't just catchy — it reflects a level of coordination and professionalism that's both impressive and alarming.
Next time you're at a big-box store, consider the unseen battles happening behind the scenes to keep prices fair and shelves stocked. And remember, the fight against retail theft is ongoing, with real people working tirelessly to protect your interests.
If anything, this saga shows that crime might pay — but only until the law catches up. And in this case, it did, with a bang.
References: NYC crew ripped off $2.2M worth of merch from Home Depot in 'full time' Ocean's 11-style heists: DA | 13 charged in theft ring that nabbed $2.2M in Home Depot merchandise, Queens DA says | Home Depot Theft Ring Busted After Allegedly Stealing Over $2 Million
