A sophisticated crime ring has been accused of stealing over $10 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores across Southern California. On Tuesday, the Ventura County district attorney’s office announced a 48-count criminal complaint against nine key members of the ring, marking it as the largest theft operation in Home Depot’s history.
The crime ring targeted 71 Home Depot locations in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, often hitting the same stores multiple times a day. The operation, dubbed “Operation Kill Switch,” led to the arrest of 14 individuals on August 14, with nine facing charges.
David Ahl, the alleged ringleader, faces 45 felony counts, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, and money laundering. If convicted, he could face up to 32 years in prison. Ahl is accused of directing theft crews, known as “boosters,” to steal high-value items like breakers, dimmers, and switches, which he then resold through his business, Arya Wholesale, in Tarzana.
Ahl’s brother-in-law, Omid Abrishamkar, is charged with helping sell the stolen goods on eBay, while Ahl’s ex-wife, Lorena Solis, and her partner, Enrique Neira Moreno, are accused of running a similar operation in Los Angeles. Five other individuals, identified as prolific boosters, face charges for stealing up to $10,000 worth of merchandise daily.
Authorities have seized $3.7 million in stolen goods and $800,000 in illicit funds from the operation. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko praised the consolidation of charges made possible by Assembly Bill 1779, which allows retail crimes across multiple counties to be filed together.
The case highlights the ongoing battle against organized retail crime, with further arrests expected as the investigation continues. Ahl remains in custody with bail set at $500,000, and a conference for his case is scheduled for Wednesday.
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