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13 charged in theft ring that nabbed $2.2M in Home Depot merchandise, Queens DA says
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Dec 11, 2025
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published Dec 11, 2025
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Power tools, air conditioners and laundry detergent are among the more than $2.2 million in merchandise that authorities said a Queens-based crew swiped from Home Depot stores across New York and eight other states to sell on the black market.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that 13 people are now facing charges for grand larceny, conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property in a sprawling 780-count indictment.
Officials said their investigation found that the organized retail theft ring stole the items in more than 300 documented thefts between Aug. 14, 2024, and Sept. 11, 2025. The investigation was launched in June 2024 after the DA’s office found stolen air conditioners from Home Depot while conducting a separate investigation, authorities said.
Those involved in the ring — which was allegedly led by defendant and Queens resident Armando Diaz — met nearly every day at 5:30 a.m. in a parking lot at 57th Avenue and Hoffman Drive in East Elmhurst, according to the DA's office.
Authorities said the crew determined which Home Depot locations to target by reviewing the merchandise listings on the retailer’s website and app. Officials said members of the crew would browse the aisles and steal based on directions given by Diaz, who spoke to them through earbuds.
In some instances, one crew member would distract an employee while another wheeled items out of the store in a cart, according to officials. One defendant, Joana Carolina “La Mona” Fermin, of Hicksville, New York, allegedly acted as a lookout.
A day’s haul would range from $1,800 to nearly $35,000 in merchandise, according to officials, who added that the stolen merchandise was then turned over to five fences who would sell the goods on the black market.
“As alleged, this crew was amazingly coordinated, disciplined, meticulous and dedicated,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said during a press conference about the charges. “If everyone worked as efficiently in this country, productivity would be at an all-time high.”
Eleven defendants were arraigned on Wednesday, with another arraignment set to take place at a later date, according to the DA’s office, which added that another defendant remains at large.
Some of those charged could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The stolen goods are estimated at $1.5 million in value, but Katz’s office said this value could climb as more goods are uncovered.
In addition to Diaz and Fermin, the other defendants are Francisco Ayala-Ariza, of Woodhaven; Wilfredo “Fredo” Arango-Calle, of Oakland Gardens; Oscar Eduardo Valencia Diaz, of Middle Village; Mateo Arias Toro, of Middle Village; Victor Diaz, of Flushing; Freddy “El Torito” Padilla, of Elder Avenue; Kyle “Italian” Goonan, of Brooklyn; David Araque Montoya, of Middle Village; Angel Yamba Ortiz, of Elmhurst and Nechemia Blatter, of Brooklyn.
Attorney information for the accused was not made immediately available to Gothamist.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
public safety
queens
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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