Four Sentenced for Organized Retail Theft in California

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An illustrative depiction of organized retail theft activities in a hardware store.

News Summary

Four men, including the Delasancha brothers, have been sentenced for their roles in an organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot across Southern California. The group stole over $82,000 in tools and merchandise from more than 60 stores. The California Attorney General’s Office emphasizes a commitment to combating organized crime, and these sentences aim to deter future thefts in the region.

California – Four men have been sentenced for their roles in an organized retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot stores throughout Southern California. The group stole merchandise worth over $82,000 in total from more than 60 locations across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties between October 2021 and February 2023.

The individuals involved in this theft scheme have been identified as brothers Jose Delasancha and Luis Delasancha, as well as Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz. They were part of a conspiracy to steal tools and other high-value items from the home improvement retailer, employing various methods to bypass the security measures in place.

The Delasancha brothers primarily targeted the hardware department of Home Depot, utilizing specialized tools to unlock security devices that protected expensive power tools. They would often clear entire shelves and fill shopping carts with stolen goods, leaving the stores without paying for the items.

In May 2025, it was announced that Jose Delasancha had pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft and was subsequently sentenced to eight years in state prison. His brother, Luis Delasancha, also pleaded guilty to four grand theft counts, receiving a four-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz both pleaded guilty to charges of organized retail theft, as well as receiving stolen property. Both were sentenced to two years of felony probation.

The Delasancha brothers not only stole the power tools, but also sold them to Carillo-Avilez and Garfiaz, who resold the stolen merchandise online for profit. This organized approach to retail theft showcases a growing trend of targeted theft operations that are becoming increasingly prevalent in the region.

The California Attorney General’s Office has expressed a strong commitment to combatting organized crime and holding accountable those who engage in theft from businesses. With these recent sentences, authorities aim to address not only the individuals involved but also provide a deterrent to others considering similar criminal activities.

Over the past few years, California has witnessed a surge in organized retail theft incidents, prompting law enforcement agencies to implement stricter measures and collaborations with local businesses. As part of their efforts, the Attorney General’s office has increased resources to target such criminal enterprises more effectively. Initiatives include enhanced training for law enforcement and partnerships with retail sectors to improve security protocols and share information about theft trends.

Retailers like Home Depot have been urging for tougher penalties to help curb organized theft, emphasizing the economic impact that such crimes have on businesses and consumers alike. Decreased inventories and increased prices are just some of the consequences faced by companies regarding these incidents, ultimately affecting the entire shopping experience for consumers.

As authorities continue to crack down on these types of schemes, it remains essential for communities to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to local law enforcement. The recent sentences for the four men involved in this theft ring serve as a reminder of the efforts being made to protect businesses and uphold the law.

With these convictions, there is hope that potential thieves will think twice before engaging in organized crimes against retail businesses, and that further partnerships and initiatives will reinforce the commitment to safeguarding community interests.