Charges filed in largest retail theft case in Home Depot’s history
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko on Aug. 26 announced the filing of felony charges against nine defendants accused of participating in the largest organized retail theft case in Home Depot’s history, a multi-county operation responsible for millions of dollars in losses.
“This case demonstrates the scale, scope, and sophistication of organized retail theft,” Nasarenko said in a press release.
“This wasn’t shoplifting, it was a criminal enterprise that allegedly stole millions, and it was finally stopped here in Ventura County,” he said.
The alleged ringleader is David Ahl, of Woodland Hills, who is accused of directing theft crews to steal high-end electrical merchandise, such as dimmer switches, circuit breakers, and outlets, that he then resold through Arya Wholesale, his Tarzana business.
Ahl faces 45 felony counts, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering.
He is currently in custody with bail set at $500,000.
