Payam Javan: A major operation across the Bay Area has dismantled an organized retail theft ring responsible for nearly 200 heists at Home Depot stores, with stolen merchandise valued at over $92,000. The Sheriff’s Office Retail Theft Task Force, in collaboration with regional law enforcement, conducted coordinated raids on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of four suspects in Richmond, San Leandro, and South San Francisco. The group allegedly targeted stores from Sacramento to Santa Cruz, focusing on high-value items like power tools and saws.
The investigation, launched in February following a tip from Home Depot’s Organized Retail Crime Investigators, revealed the crew’s extensive operations. Detectives estimate the group caused $68,000 in losses this year alone, often committing multiple thefts in a single day. The stolen goods were resold at flea markets in Oakland and San Jose, fueling a cycle of organized crime that impacted local businesses and communities.
Tuesday’s raids uncovered a significant haul, including narcotics and a South San Francisco storage unit containing over 1,000 stolen Home Depot items. The operation involved the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the District Attorney’s Office, showcasing a unified effort to combat retail theft. Sheriff Robert Jonsen emphasized the broader community impact, stating, “Retail theft affects everyone, and we are committed to holding offenders accountable.”
The arrested suspects—Adolfo Herrera, 45, Wilmer Ayala, 43, Daniel Resendiz, 21, and Jose Martinez, 28—face felony charges, including grand theft and conspiracy. Herrera also faces charges for a prior probation violation tied to retail theft. Home Depot’s Vice President of Asset Protection, Scott Glenn, praised the Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration, noting that such partnerships are critical to stopping organized retail crime.
Sheriff Jonsen highlighted the task force’s success in targeting prolific theft groups, ensuring justice and enhancing safety for local businesses and shoppers. The operation underscores the ongoing commitment to tackling organized retail crime in the Bay Area, with authorities vowing to continue their aggressive pursuit of such criminal networks.
