NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Authorities on Thursday announced that 13 defendants were charged in a 780-count indictment for operating a stolen goods and fencing ring that targeted Home Depot locations in New York and eight other states.
Members of the Queens-based theft crew allegedly stole building supplies, power tools, smoke alarms, air conditioners, laundry detergent, paper towels and other goods in 319 documented thefts, totaling more than $2.2 million, during a 13-month period.
Home Depots in Farmingdale, Jersey City, and Flushing were among the eight most targeted, officials said. Items were loaded into garbage bins or hidden in carts topped with sheetrock and plywood.
"After the products were stolen, the theft crew needed to get rid of them as a way to feed the theft crews salaries," Queens DA Melinda Katz said. "Stolen products were sold in Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn to fences at 50 to 70% of the retail value."