News Summary
Four individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in an organized retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot stores across Southern California. The group, led by brothers Jose and Luis Delasancha, stole over $82,000 in merchandise from more than 60 locations between October 2021 and February 2023. The thefts involved sophisticated tactics to bypass security systems, and the stolen items were resold online. The sentences varied, with the Delasancha brothers receiving prison terms, while their accomplices were placed on probation.
California – Four men have been sentenced for their roles in an organized retail theft ring that specifically targeted Home Depot stores throughout Southern California. This ring was responsible for over $82,000 in stolen merchandise from more than 60 stores located in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties.
The California Attorney General’s Office identified the main perpetrators as brothers Jose Delasancha and Luis Delasancha, along with their accomplices Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz. These individuals were adult men who engaged in a conspiracy to execute coordinated thefts from October 2021 until February 2023.
According to prosecutors, the Delasancha brothers focused their efforts primarily on Home Depot’s hardware department, utilizing specialized tools to disable security devices that protected high-value power tools. They systematically cleared entire shelves, loading shopping carts with stolen items, and exited the stores without completing any transactions.
The theft operation was characterized by preparation and efficiency, as the brothers frequently targeted different locations, ensuring their actions went undetected for extended periods. Every heist contributed to an ongoing pattern of theft that spanned over a year and a half.
Once they acquired the stolen power tools, the Delasancha brothers sold them to Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz. This pair took advantage of the stolen inventory by reselling the items online, profiting from their illegal activities. This organized scheme culminated in the arrest of all four men, leading to a 60-count felony complaint against them related to their extensive theft operations.
On May 22, 2025, the sentencing results were revealed. Jose Delasancha pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and received an eight-year sentence in state prison. His brother, Luis Delasancha, also pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft, resulting in a four-year state prison sentence.
Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz were both charged with organized retail theft and receiving stolen property. They opted to plead guilty as well, each receiving two years of felony probation as their sentence, reflecting a less severe consequence compared to the Delasancha brothers. By focusing on various aspects of organized retail theft, the authorities aimed to highlight the broader issues of crime facing retail sectors in the region.
Background Context
The rise in organized retail theft has garnered increased attention in various states across the U.S., with significant impacts on local economies and businesses. Retailers like Home Depot have been particularly vulnerable, often losing substantial amounts of revenue to theft. Southern California has seen a marked increase in such criminal activities, prompting law enforcement and government officials to undertake measures to combat this trend.
California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has stressed the importance of actively fighting organized crime and emphasized the need for accountability for those who engage in theft from businesses. This case serves as an example of the state’s commitment to addressing organized retail crime and underscores the multi-agency efforts that aim to protect retailers while deterring future thefts. The consequences faced by the individuals involved reflect a legal system working to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- ABC7: 13 Suspects in Armenian Organized Crime Ring Arrested
- Spectrum News 1: Bonta Charges Retail Theft Scheme
- Wikipedia: Organized Retail Crime
