Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel announced today the arrests of eight members of a multi-state organized retail theft group responsible for committing hundreds of thefts—totaling nearly $3 million—from Home Depot, Lowe’s and other retailers beginning in August 2025.
The eight defendants arrested are Wilber Antonio Morales-Sanchez, 25, Fernando Junior Gonzalez Rodriguez, 21, Dario Neftali Gonzalez-Feliz,35, Manuel Martin Terrero, 43, Josue Sterlyn Pineda, 29, Jaime Ramirez-Lebron, 44, Gabriel Almonte, 36, all of Philadelphia, and Noe Amilcar Umana-Espinal, 35, of Montgomery Village, Maryland. An arrest warrant is out for Alexis Ezequiel Encarnancion, 27 of Bronx, N.Y.
According to the DA, an investigation began after Montgomery County Detectives examined a series of account takeover incidents involving Home Depot and Lowe’s locations in the area. Detectives determined the criminal activity extended “far beyond Montgomery County and involved incidents throughout Pennsylvania and spanning at least 18 other states.”
Detectives also learned that the organization consisted of more than 30 individuals operating in specialized roles involving theft, transportation, storage and resale of stolen merchandise. The group targeted high-value goods including electrical wire, LifeProof flooring and power tools, the DA said.
“Members of the group would purchase the merchandise through transactions using stolen credit card accounts. Detectives also found members used fraudulent identification and insurance documents to obtain rental vans and box trucks that were then used to travel between stores and transport stolen merchandise across state lines,” the DA’s office wrote. “The investigation utilized surveillance footage, vehicle rental records, financial records, cellular telephone evidence, electronic communications, license-plate-reader data and witness statements.”
Three search warrants at a Philadelphia property, a residence in Norristown, and a storage facility in West Norriton Township were executed on February 19. Stolen merchandise was recovered at all three locations, including LifeProof flooring, electrical wire and electrical accessories. The items recovered at the Philadelphia residence totaled $38,449.84, and at the Norristown residence and storage facility totaled more than $523,000. Investigators also recovered three stolen vehicles at the Philadelphia property.
Morales-Sanchez was arrested on September 5. Magisterial District Judge Edward Kropp, Sr. set bail at $1,000,000 cash. The other defendants were arrested on September 11 and were arraigned before several Magisterial District Judges with bail ranging from $50,000 cash to $500,000 cash, the DA said.
The defendants are charged with Corrupt Organizations, Conspiracy, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, Access Device Fraud, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property and related offenses.
Montgomery County Detectives, Philadelphia Police, Cheltenham Police, Upper Providence Police, Plymouth Township Police and Montgomery County, Maryland Police each took part in the investigation.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 19 at 9:00am before Magisterial District Judge Edward Levine.
For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.
Photos: Montco DA