New York City's home improvement stores have been hit with a devastating blow as 13 individuals are now facing charges in connection with a massive organized retail theft ring that swiped over $2.2 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot locations across nine states.
According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, the gang, allegedly led by Armando Diaz, a Queens resident, targeted stores using an intricate system that involved reviewing online listings and browsing aisles in search of high-value items such as power tools, air conditioners, and laundry detergent. The crew would then sell these stolen goods on the black market through fences who would purchase them for thousands of dollars.
The investigation, launched in June 2024, revealed over 300 documented thefts between August 14, 2024, and September 11, 2025. One defendant, Joana Carolina "La Mona" Fermin, was identified as a lookout, while another crew member would often pose as an employee to distract staff while others wheeled items out of the store on carts.
The stolen merchandise ranged from $1,800 to nearly $35,000 in value per incident, with some days' hauls bringing in tens of thousands of dollars. However, officials believe that the total value of the goods stolen could climb as more are uncovered.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, "the crew was amazingly coordinated, disciplined, meticulous and dedicated." The alleged leader, Armando Diaz, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Twelve defendants were arraigned on Wednesday with another defendant set for a later date. Their charges include grand larceny, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property. Attorney information for the accused was not available at press time.
According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, the gang, allegedly led by Armando Diaz, a Queens resident, targeted stores using an intricate system that involved reviewing online listings and browsing aisles in search of high-value items such as power tools, air conditioners, and laundry detergent. The crew would then sell these stolen goods on the black market through fences who would purchase them for thousands of dollars.
The investigation, launched in June 2024, revealed over 300 documented thefts between August 14, 2024, and September 11, 2025. One defendant, Joana Carolina "La Mona" Fermin, was identified as a lookout, while another crew member would often pose as an employee to distract staff while others wheeled items out of the store on carts.
The stolen merchandise ranged from $1,800 to nearly $35,000 in value per incident, with some days' hauls bringing in tens of thousands of dollars. However, officials believe that the total value of the goods stolen could climb as more are uncovered.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, "the crew was amazingly coordinated, disciplined, meticulous and dedicated." The alleged leader, Armando Diaz, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Twelve defendants were arraigned on Wednesday with another defendant set for a later date. Their charges include grand larceny, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property. Attorney information for the accused was not available at press time.
It's disheartening to see organized retail theft rings like this one wreak havoc on legitimate businesses in New York City. The sheer scale of the operation – over $2.2 million worth of merchandise swiped across nine states – is mind-boggling. The level of coordination and discipline displayed by the crew is almost impressive, but of course, not in a good way 
. It's interesting to note that one defendant was identified as a lookout, while another posed as an employee to distract staff, highlighting the brazen nature of these thieves. The fact that some hauls brought in tens of thousands of dollars is staggering and underscores the severity of the problem. Hopefully, justice will be served and Armando Diaz faces the full weight of the law 
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I mean i get it some ppl need money but stealing from stores isnt the answer 
they sound like a well oiled machine tho with their system & fences buying stuff off them for thousands 
. but 25 yrs in prison sounds harsh 2 me 
still glad we got a da who's cracking down on this tho 
lets just hope the stolen goods get recovered n the community gets back what it lost 
i hope armando diaz gets what's comin' to him, 25 years in prison sounds like a pretty good punishment 
It's also concerning to think about how many more thefts might have happened with these thieves still at large. I hope Armando Diaz gets the justice he deserves, 25 years in prison sounds like a fitting punishment 
Organized retail theft is getting out of control in NYC! I mean, $2.2 million worth of merchandise gone missing? That's insane! It's no wonder the DA's office is calling this gang "amazingly coordinated" - they've clearly got a system down pat 
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. It's time to hold everyone accountable and put an end to this vicious cycle of theft and greed 
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I'm shocked by the brazenness of this organized retail theft ring! It's crazy to think that 13 individuals managed to scrounge up over $2.2 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores across nine states 
) how they were able to sell the stolen goods for thousands of dollars on the black market.