The Worcester License Commission suspended the liquor license of Albino’s Market on May 28, following a police investigation alleging the store sold products stolen from Home Depot.
According to Worcester Police Sgt. Thomas Needham, Michael Robles, owner of Albino’s Market on Belmont Street, was identified as a suspect in a larceny scheme during the commission’s biweekly meeting. Needham said an investigation initiated by the Auburn Police Department in January uncovered that more than $67,000 worth of power tools and electronics were stolen from Home Depot stores across Massachusetts between November 2025 and February.
Needham cited an affidavit by Police Officer Keith Chipman indicating that several suspects were involved in the scheme, including Robles. Chipman’s report described how an undercover officer purchased some of the allegedly stolen items at Albino’s Market in March, completing transactions at the front register. Following this operation, officers searched the market and found approximately $37,000 worth of what they identified as stolen items.
Auburn Police Chief R. Scott Mills told the Telegram & Gazette that so many recovered products were collected inside a Home Depot truck and stored on police department property rather than inside their building due to their abundance.
At the May 28 meeting, Sean C. Murray, attorney for Robles, said, “There’s a lot he’d like to say in his defense or in response to the allegations,” but added that because there is a pending investigation he could not advise his client to comment further. Murray also noted that Robles is 29 years old with no criminal record or prior violations before the License Commission.
While Needham indicated police intended to recommend revocation of Albino’s liquor license, he agreed with Murray’s suggestion for an indefinite suspension while allowing for future review once the investigation concludes. The commission then voted unanimously to suspend Albino’s Market’s liquor license indefinitely.
