News Summary

In California, four men involved in a retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores have been sentenced. The group, led by brothers Jose and Luis Delasancha, stole over $82,000 in merchandise across Southern California. Following a lengthy operation from October 2021 to February 2023, they faced various sentences for their crimes, highlighting the challenges of organized retail theft and its impact on businesses.

California

Four men involved in an organized retail theft ring that specifically targeted Home Depot stores throughout Southern California have been sentenced for their crimes. The theft ring was responsible for stealing merchandise from over 60 locations across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties.

The California Attorney General’s Office has identified the key players in this illicit scheme as brothers Jose Delasancha and Luis Delasancha, along with accomplices Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz. Collectively, these individuals engaged in a coordinated effort to steal valuable merchandise from October 2021 to February 2023, focusing primarily on the hardware departments of the stores.

During their criminal activities, the Delasancha brothers utilized sophisticated theft tools to bypass security mechanisms that protected high-priced items, particularly power tools. Reports indicate that they frequently emptied shelves and filled shopping carts with stolen goods before leaving the stores without paying. In total, the thieves stole merchandise valued at over $82,000 during their operation.

After the thefts were completed, the Delasancha brothers sold the pilfered power tools to Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz, who then resold the items online for profit. Their partnership underscores how organized crime can lead to significant financial losses for retailers.

Details of Sentencing

On May 22, 2025, the judicial system delivered its verdict regarding the case, leading to various sentences for the four individuals involved:

Jose Delasancha pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and received a sentence of eight years in state prison.
Luis Delasancha also pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and was sentenced to four years in state prison.
Carillo-Avilez accepted a plea deal for organized retail theft and was sentenced to two years of felony probation.
Garfiaz pleaded guilty to both organized retail theft and receiving stolen property, receiving a similar sentence of two years of felony probation.

Impact of Organized Retail Theft

Organized retail theft poses a serious challenge to retailers and consumers alike, resulting in increased prices and losses that affect stock availability and business viability. The theft ring’s operations highlight the broader issue of organized crime targeting retail establishments—a concern that has prompted action from government officials and law enforcement agencies.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta addressed the growing problem of organized theft, reiterating a commitment to combatting these crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The case against the Delasancha brothers, Carillo-Avilez, and Garfiaz reflects broader efforts to dismantle criminal operations that exploit retail businesses.

Summary

The sentencing of the four men offers a crucial step in addressing the trend of organized retail theft in California. With the financial hurt caused to businesses and the public from these illegal activities, law enforcement continues to focus efforts on tackling such crimes and restoring integrity to the retail environment.