Authorities in Southern California announced Tuesday the arrest of 14 individuals accused of operating what officials described as the largest organized retail theft operation targeting Home Depot in the company’s history, with nine suspects facing felony charges.

Investigators say the group is linked to approximately 600 thefts spanning 71 Home Depot locations across multiple Southern California counties.

Officials estimate the total losses from the alleged operation exceed $10 million.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman detailed the scope of the case during a press conference.

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“They basically had been able to pull off over 600 different thefts from Home Depots in the surrounding counties,” Hochman said.

He added, “They must have thought life was grand. They've been making millions of dollars, didn't look like anyone was going to stop them.”

Authorities identified David Ahl as a central figure in the operation.

Ahl, who operated a storefront known as ARIA Wholesale in Tarzana, faces 48 felony counts, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering.

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Officials said he remains in custody at Ventura County jail with bail set at $500,000.

If convicted, Ahl could face up to 32 years in prison. Attorney information for Ahl was not immediately available.

According to Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, the operation relied on a network of individuals referred to as “boosters,” who were tasked with stealing merchandise from retail locations.

Fryhoff said the boosters targeted high-value electrical items, including breakers, dimmers, and switches.

“Boosters would systematically steal expensive electrical components like breakers, dimmers, and switches,” Fryhoff said, noting that in some cases, suspects visited every Home Depot in Ventura County within a single day.

Officials said the stolen items were transported to Ahl’s business or residence, often concealed in trash bags or Home Depot boxes.

The boosters were also taken into custody and are being held at Ventura County jail, each with bail set at $250,000.

The investigation extended beyond Ahl, leading to additional arrests involving family members and associates.

Authorities said Ahl’s brother-in-law is accused of selling stolen merchandise through eBay.

Investigators also arrested Ahl’s ex-wife and her boyfriend, who are accused of operating what officials described as a “nearly identical” fencing operation.

Search warrants executed during the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately $3.7 million worth of Home Depot merchandise, along with $800,000 in what authorities described as proceeds tied to alleged money laundering activities.

Officials also presented surveillance footage showing individuals carrying out thefts inside stores.

In one instance, a suspect was seen navigating around security measures, including climbing over or reaching into areas where high-value items had been placed behind cages or on elevated shelving.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko described the scale of the operation during the press conference.

“This wasn't shoplifting. It was a criminal enterprise that allegedly stole millions of dollars, and it was finally stopped here in Ventura County,” Nasarenko said.

Home Depot representatives also addressed the impact of organized retail theft. Regional Asset Protection Manager Darlene Hermosillo said such crimes affect both operations and safety.

“It's about protecting the well-being and safety of our customers, our associates and the communities in which we serve,” Hermosillo said.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation was supported through a state grant program aimed at combating organized retail theft.

All defendants remain in custody and have pleaded not guilty as the case proceeds through the legal system.

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