Ex-Hayward Home Depot employee charged with organized retail theft

(KRON) — A former Home Depot employee who worked in Hayward was charged with committing a slew of organized retail thefts.

The ex-employee, 23-year-old Juan Manuel Diaz Ramirez, allegedly stole hundreds of high-priced items from the Hayward store during his shifts, investigators said.

California Highway Patrol officers executed a search warrant at Ramirez’s home last year and found about 600 stolen Home Depot items, as well as nearly $90,000 in cash.

On Monday, District Attorney Pamela Price announced her office charged Ramirez and a co-defendant, 50-year-old Juan Manuel Diaz Tejeda, with stealing from Home Depots in Newark and Hayward between December 2022 and March 2023.

“The losses incurred are worth over $100,000,” the DA’s Office wrote.

Ramirez and Tejeda are charged with embezzlement, commercial burglary, and grand theft. They are scheduled to appear in court on September 19 to enter a plea.

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