PHOENIX — Two brothers accused of orchestrating a string of retail thefts at Home Depot stores across Arizona have been indicted on multiple charges, prosecutors announced Friday.
German Juarez Espinoza, 29, and Jacinto Juarez Espinoza, 23, allegedly stole over $14,700 worth of tools and air conditioning units between March and June 2025. The brothers now face a combined 25 felony counts, including organized retail theft, trafficking in stolen property, and fraudulent schemes, according to court documents.
Investigators say the pair targeted Home Depot locations in Glendale, Avondale, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe, and Oro Valley. The thefts were uncovered after Home Depot’s organized retail theft investigator noticed patterns in loss reports and reviewed surveillance footage dating back to April.
The suspects reportedly employed several tactics, including walking out of stores with carts full of high-value items like Milwaukee tools, or using legitimate receipts from smaller purchases to steal additional merchandise undetected. The stolen goods were later resold on Facebook Marketplace.
Police located the brothers at an apartment complex near 67th and Glendale avenues in Glendale. During a search warrant, officers recovered stolen Milwaukee vacuums and clothing that matched surveillance footage from the thefts. Both suspects admitted their involvement during interviews with detectives.
German Espinoza’s trial is scheduled for December, while Jacinto Espinoza’s trial is set for November.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said organized retail theft cases rose 45% from 2023 to 2024, and law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to disrupt these crimes. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has also called for stronger legislative tools to combat organized retail theft and safeguard businesses.
