A Montgomery Village, MD man is among eight people arrested in connection with an organized retail theft operation accused of stealing nearly $3 million in merchandise from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other retailers across multiple states, according to authorities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Noe Amilcar Umana-Espinal, 35, of Montgomery Village, was arrested along with seven Philadelphia residents. An arrest warrant has also been issued for a ninth suspect from New York.
Investigators allege the group was responsible for hundreds of thefts beginning in August 2025, targeting high-value merchandise including electrical wire, flooring, and power tools. The operation reportedly involved more than 30 individuals and extended across Pennsylvania and at least 18 other states.
According to authorities, suspects used stolen credit card accounts to obtain merchandise and fraudulent documents to rent vehicles for transporting stolen goods. Searches conducted in February 2026 resulted in the recovery of more than $560,000 in merchandise and three stolen vehicles.
The defendants face charges including organized retail theft, conspiracy, access device fraud, theft, and receiving stolen property.
The investigation involved multiple Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies and the Montgomery County Police Department (Maryland). A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2026.
