Seven men from Southern California have been arrested and charged in what authorities are calling the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.
The suspects allegedly broke into a Brinks semitruck transporting $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, luxury watches, and precious gemstones from an international jewelry show near San Francisco.
The accused individuals are:
Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado, 31
Jazael Padilla Resto, 36
Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig, 41
Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, 60
Jorge Enrique Alban, 33
Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, 42
Eduardo Macias Ibarra, 36
They face multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipment, and actual theft from such shipments. Additionally, Padilla, Mestanza, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban are charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act.
According to the indictment, on July 10, 2022, Mestanza, Lugo, and Alban observed the truck leaving the jewelry show carrying 73 bags of valuables. They, along with the others, followed the truck for approximately 300 miles—from San Mateo to a rest stop in Lebec, north of Los Angeles.
When the truck stopped in Lebec, the suspects broke in and stole 24 bags containing the $100 million in jewelry.
If convicted, some of the men could face up to 20 years in federal prison for robbery charges, while others face up to 10 years for theft-related charges, along with additional sentences for conspiracy.
