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Four men have received sentences for their roles in a large-scale organized retail theft operation that targeted over 60 Home Depot stores in Southern California. The Delasancha brothers led the group, stealing more than $82,000 in merchandise from their local stores. The operation involved collaborating with two others who resold the stolen goods online. Sentencing varied among the group, with significant prison time for the ringleaders and probation for their accomplices. California officials emphasize the importance of combating organized retail theft to protect businesses and consumers.

California – Four men involved in a large-scale organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores across Southern California have been sentenced for their crimes. The group stole merchandise from over 60 Home Depot locations across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties from October 2021 to February 2023, leading to significant financial losses for the retailer.

Identified by the California Attorney General’s Office, the thieves include brothers Jose Delasancha and Luis Delasancha, alongside Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz. The Delasancha brothers were the ringleaders, frequently targeting the hardware aisles of Home Depot stores, utilizing various tools to defeat security measures protecting high-value power tools.

According to court documents, the Delasancha brothers systematically filled shopping carts with stolen merchandise, clearing entire shelves, and left the stores without paying for the items. Reports indicate that they stole over $82,000 worth of merchandise during their operations.

The Delasancha brothers sold the stolen power tools to Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz, who in turn resold these items online for profit. This collaborative operation enabled a significant level of theft that was sustained over an extended period. Authorities were able to gather enough evidence to file a 60-count felony complaint against all four men, ultimately leading to their arrest.

On May 22, 2025, sentencing for the four men revealed different outcomes based on their level of involvement in the crime. Jose Delasancha pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and was sentenced to eight years in state prison. Luis Delasancha also pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and received a four-year state prison sentence.

Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz both pleaded guilty to charges of organized retail theft and receiving stolen property. Each was sentenced to two years of felony probation, reflecting their role as resellers of the stolen merchandise rather than the initial thieves.

In response to the incident, California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to address and dismantle organized crime operations. His office aims to hold accountable those who engage in criminal activity that negatively affects businesses and the economy.

This case underscores the significant challenges posed by organized retail theft, which affects not only businesses but also consumers through higher prices. By networking with local law enforcement and employing effective investigative practices, authorities are working to combat such crime and protect retailers from future thefts.

The operations of the Delasancha brothers and their associates exemplify how organized crime can infiltrate everyday retail environments, prompting law enforcement to remain vigilant in the face of evolving criminal tactics.

Retail theft, particularly on this scale, is becoming an increasing concern nationwide. As organizations like Home Depot face rising incidents of theft, the response from both law enforcement and the retail industry will be critical in maintaining a fair marketplace and ensuring the safety of consumers and businesses alike.

Four Men Sentenced for Organized Retail Theft at Home Depot

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Author: HERE Huntington Beach