Two Southern California men are set to appear in federal court after being arrested for allegedly committing the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history. The two are accused of stealing approximately $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and luxury watches from a Brinks semitruck transporting items from an international jewelry show near San Francisco in July 2022. Some stolen jewelry was recovered during search warrants executed on June 16.
The indictment charges seven individuals with conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipment: Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado, Jazael Padilla Resto (also known as “Ricardo Noel Moya,” “Ricardo Barbosa,” and “Alberto Javier Loza Chamorro”), Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig (also known as “Walter Loza”), Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, Jorge Enrique Alban, Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, and Eduardo Macias Ibarra.
Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban face additional charges under the Hobbs Act for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery. Padilla is currently serving a sentence in Arizona state prison for third-degree burglary.
The indictment details that on July 10-11, 2022, several defendants followed a Brinks truck carrying valuable cargo approximately 300 miles from San Mateo to Lebec. There they allegedly stole 24 bags containing about $100 million worth of jewelry. In the days following the theft, some suspects deactivated their cellphones used during the heist.
The same group is also charged with stealing $240,573 worth of Samsung electronics in Ontario on March 2, 2022. They allegedly robbed a box truck driver of Apple AirTags valued at $57,377 using a knife for intimidation. Additionally, they attempted another theft at a Fontana rest stop and successfully stole Samsung electronics valued at approximately $14,081.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted on robbery charges under federal law, Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban could face up to 20 years in prison per charge; all defendants could receive up to five years for conspiracy charges and ten years per theft charge.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI and local police departments. Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Kevin J. Butler are leading the prosecution.
