Nine people face felony charges for allegedly running a multimillion-dollar retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores across several California counties, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Prosecutors say David Ahl, identified as the ringleader, faces 45 felony counts including conspiracy, organized retail theft and money laundering. He is accused of directing crews to steal high-end electrical equipment that he allegedly resold through his business, according to a press release. (RELATED: Chinese Orgs Smuggling Dangerous Pesticides Into US, Authorities Warn)
Ahl’s ex-wife, her current partner and his brother-in-law were also charged. Prosecutors said the brother-in-law faces 11 felony counts of receiving stolen property and money laundering, while the ex-wife and her partner each face eight felony conspiracy counts. All three remain in jail on $50,000 bail.
Prosecutors said two main theft crews carried out the scheme, targeting 71 Home Depot stores across Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The crews often struck the same locations several times a day, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Authorities arrested 14 suspects during an Aug. 14 sweep. Prosecutors described the case as a “family affair” and said Ahl faces up to 32 years in prison if convicted. Home Depot estimates the ring is responsible for more than $10 million in stolen merchandise.
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff called the theft ring “damaging.”
“This case shows just how profitable and damaging organized retail theft can be,” Fryhoff said, according to the same press release.
Authorities said more arrests are expected, despite 14 suspects already in custody, the New York Post reported.