Anthony Yates
Authorities have made multiple arrests and recovered millions of dollars of stolen property in a massive retail theft case at Home Depot.
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What happened: The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office revealed “Operation Killswitch” in a news release on Facebook. They explain that the Organized Retail Theft Task Force uncovered an “elaborate theft ring” targeting the hardware store.
Authorities say an organized group stole over $10 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores. The thieves targeted numerous shops over several years and multiple jurisdictions.
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff called the investigation “The largest organized retail theft case in Home Depot history.” Police have recovered $3.7 million in Home Depot property.
The Thieves Were Targeting Specific Items
Thieves prioritized electrical goods: Authorities explain that the suspects weren’t just grabbing random items and hoping to resell them. The suspects targeted expensive electrical goods specifically.
Fryhoff explained that they resold the stolen items at a reduced price through various online shop fronts and fencing operations. Some of those customers were contractors and other electrical businesses.
The Sheriff pointed out several key items, such as “breakers, dimmers, switches, and outlets.” He confirmed the total loss to Home Depot for these devices was roughly $10 million.
Fryhoff explained that a suspect named David Ahl ran a storefront called Aria Wholesale in Tarzana. He allegedly had a crew of thieves called “boosters” who sometimes hit every Home Depot in Ventura County in a single day. The boosters would then send the merchandise to Ahl, where he would pay for the equipment in cash.
The Sheriff’s Office Has Made Multiple Arrests Over The Home Depot Thefts
Multiple arrests and charges: The news release reveals that authorities have made 14 arrests. Authorities have also charged nine people so far.
- David Ahl reportedly faces 48 felony counts, including money laundering, conspiracy, and grand theft. Authorities are holding him in Ventura County Jail.
- Ahl’s brother-in-law, Omid Abrishamkar, faces 11 felony counts. Those include conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
- Lorina Solis, Ahl’s ex-wife, and her partner face eight felony counts.
Jim Fryhoff said in a press conference, “If you’re running booster crews, selling stolen goods, or profiting from organized theft, we will find you and hold you accountable.” The investigation remains ongoing.
