California Jewelry Heist: 7 Men Charged | US History
Authorities have charged seven men from Southern California in connection with a massive $100 million jewellery heist, revealing a meticulously planned operation. These individuals are accused of stealing gold, diamonds, and luxury watches, marking one of the largest jewelry heists in US history. The suspects trailed a Brinks truck in July 2022, ultimately making off with millions in valuables.News Directory 3 brings you the details of the federal investigation, which includes charges of conspiracy and theft. Discover the accused, including the alleged mastermind who scouted the international jewelry show. What happened to the stolen goods? Discover what’s next in this unfolding case.
Seven LA Men Charged in $100M Jewelry Heist
Updated June 17, 2025
LOS ANGELES (NewsDirectory3) — Federal prosecutors announced charges Tuesday against seven Southern California men allegedly involved in the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history. The suspects, all from the Los angeles area, are accused of stealing approximately $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and luxury watches. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for California’s Central District is prosecuting the case.
The indictment,issued June 11,charges the men with conspiracy and theft from interstate and foreign shipment. The defendants include Carlos Victor Mestanza cercado, 31; Jazael Padilla Rest, 36; Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig, 41; Victor hugo Valencia Solorzano, 60; Jorge Enrique Alban, 33; Jeson Nelon Flores Flores, 42; and Eduardo Macias Ibarra, 36.
Five of the men also face charges of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery. Two defendants were scheduled to appear in federal court Tuesday. Padilla is currently incarcerated in Arizona on a burglary charge, according to the prosecutor’s office. It remains unclear if the men have legal depiction.
According to the indictment,Padilla allegedly scouted an international jewelry show in San Mateo on July 8,2022. Days later, Padilla and others allegedly trailed a Brinks semitruck carrying 73 bags of jewelry from San Mateo, stopping in Buttonwillow and Lebec. On July 11,the group allegedly stole two dozen bags from the truck. The indictment does not detail how they accessed the truck.
Following the alleged theft, the group reportedly traveled to East Hollywood with the stolen goods. Most defendants deactivated their phones used for heist-related communications, the indictment states. Victims estimated the value of the stolen jewelry at $100 million. Authorities recovered some jewelry during search warrants executed Monday, but the total value remains unclear. The whereabouts of the remaining jewelry is unknown.
Prosecutors also allege that several defendants stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in Samsung electronics and nearly $60,000 in Apple AirTags from interstate cargo shipments before the jewelry heist.
What’s next
The case is ongoing, and authorities continue to investigate the whereabouts of the missing jewelry and the full extent of the defendants’ alleged criminal activities. The legal proceedings will determine the fate of those accused in this unprecedented jewelry heist.