Four Men Sentenced for Organized Retail Theft in California

News Summary

California authorities sentenced four men involved in an organized retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot stores. The ring stole over $82,000 worth of merchandise, focusing on high-value hardware items. The main perpetrators, brothers Jose and Luis Delasancha, alongside accomplices, used various theft tools to bypass security. Their operation spanned several counties, leading to felony complaints against them. The sentences ranged from prison time to felony probation, highlighting the state’s commitment to combat organized retail crime.

California authorities have sentenced four men for their involvement in an organized retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot stores throughout Southern California. The theft ring, which operated from October 2021 to February 2023, is reported to have stolen over $82,000 worth of merchandise, focusing primarily on hardware items.

The California Attorney General’s Office identified the main perpetrators as brothers Jose Delasancha and Luis Delasancha, along with accomplices Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz. Prosecutors stated that the Delasancha brothers employed various theft tools to bypass security devices that protected high-priced power tools in the stores. The brothers were known to clear entire shelves, frequently filling shopping carts with stolen goods before leaving the stores without paying for them.

Upon their arrest, law enforcement filed a 60-count felony complaint against all four men, highlighting the organized nature of their illicit activities. As part of the scheme, the Delasancha brothers would sell the stolen power tools to Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz, who then resold these items online for personal profit.

On May 22, 2025, it was announced that the judicial outcomes for the four individuals were as follows:

• Jose Delasancha pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and was sentenced to eight years in state prison.
• Luis Delasancha pleaded guilty to the same charges and received a four-year prison sentence.
• Carillo-Avilez pleaded guilty to organized retail theft, resulting in a two-year term of felony probation.
• Garfiaz also pleaded guilty to organized retail theft and receiving stolen property, and was similarly sentenced to two years of felony probation.

California’s Attorney General emphasized a strong commitment to combating organized crime and ensuring accountability for those who engage in theft from businesses, emphasizing the damage that such thefts inflict on retailers and consumers alike.

The Delasancha brothers specifically targeted hardware departments in Home Depot stores located across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties. Their calculated approach to stealing focused on areas with high-value items, which allowed them to maximize their haul with each illicit visit. The operation spanned multiple counties, indicating a well-orchestrated plan that involved not only stealing but also the logistics of reselling the stolen tools.

The case illustrates a growing concern regarding organized retail theft in California and nationwide, where similar criminal operations have been identified as detrimental to the economy and contributing to rising prices for consumers. Retailers have been urged to enhance security measures and improve detection strategies to combat such theft rings effectively.

This incident highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to tackle organized retail crime, which is increasingly becoming a focus for prosecutors. By keeping the pressure on those involved in such illegal activities, California authorities aim to deter future offenses and protect businesses from significant financial losses.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• KTLA: 4 Sentenced for Organized Retail Theft Ring
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• ABC News: Southern California Man Charged
• Wikipedia: Theft
• KTLA: 29 Arrested in Retail Theft Bust
• Google Scholar: Retail Theft
• Daily News: 3 Charged in Theft Ring
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft
• KTLA: California Woman Stole Over $2.2 Million