Suspect in Record U.S. Jewelry Heist Deported Before Trial

Federal immigration authorities deported a suspect in what is believed to be the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history to Ecuador in late December, leaving prosecutors unable to proceed with a trial and drawing criticism from victims and legal experts over a lack of coordination between agencies.

Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a lawful permanent U.S. resident, was one of seven individuals charged in June 2023 with conspiracy and theft from interstate and foreign shipments related to the July 2022 robbery of a Brinks armored truck. The heist occurred at a rural rest stop in Lebec, California, north of Los Angeles, after suspects allegedly followed the truck for about 300 miles from a jewelry trade show in San Mateo. Thieves broke into the vehicle, stealing 24 bags containing diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies and luxury watches. Victims, including jewelry companies exhibiting at the show, reported losses exceeding $100 million, though Brinks has claimed the value was under $10 million.

According to the indictment, the group scouted the truck as it left the event on July 10, 2022. One driver later told investigators at the scene, "I'm pretty sure we were followed from the show where...