Thirteen defendants were recently charged in a 780-count indictment with grand larceny, conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property for allegedly operating a stolen goods and fencing ring that targeted Home Depot locations in New York and eight other states, according to a Dec. 11 announcement from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Gov. Hochul.

It is the largest organized theft operation to be prosecuted in Queens, Katz said. The Queens-based theft crew allegedly stole building supplies, power tools, smoke alarms, air conditioners, laundry detergent, paper towels and other goods in 319 documented thefts, totaling more than $2.2 million, in a 13-month period.

The items were then sold to black market retailers, or fences, who allegedly ordered specific items to be stolen

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