Outrage as Suspect in $100 Million Jewelry Theft Evades Trial Due to Deportation by ICE

In a shocking development, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allowed a suspect involved in what is considered the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history, valued at $100 million, to self-deport to South America last December, much to the frustration of prosecutors who were gearing up to take the case to trial.

Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores was among seven individuals charged last year for stalking an armored truck to a remote rest area north of Los Angeles and stealing millions worth of diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and luxury watches in 2022.

Flores could have faced a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison if found guilty of conspiracy to commit theft regarding interstate and foreign shipments, as well as theft from interstate and foreign shipments. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to court documents, Flores was deported by ICE in late December after opting for voluntary departure. His attorney, John D. Robertson, filed a motion to dismiss the indictment against his client, requesting that the charges be dropped entirely and the case closed.

Federal prosecutors are not in favor of the motion and expressed their hope to still bring Flores to trial, requesting the charges be dismissed “without prejudice,” allowing for the possibility of future prosecution.

Despite being a lawful permanent resident and released on bail, Flores was taken into ICE custody in September, as indicated by filings from his defense team. Prosecutors stated they were oblivious to the existence of an immigration detainer against him.

Robertson claimed this oversight constituted a violation of Flores's rights during criminal prosecution, which justifies the dismissal of the case.

Court documents revealed that during a hearing on December 16, Flores chose to be deported to Chile, although a judge denied his request for voluntary departure but issued a final removal order, subsequently sending him to Ecuador.

Federal prosecutors noted in their opposition to the dismissal that the legal processes for immigration would typically proceed independently from criminal proceedings. “In this instance, they inadvertently benefited the defendant by enabling him to evade trial and any possible conviction or sentence, unless he returns to the United States,” they pointed out.

Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson remarked on the unusual nature of this case, highlighting that typically, immigration officials would inform prosecutors when a criminal defendant faces immigration proceedings. In less serious cases, defendants might sometimes opt for self-deportation instead of facing prosecution.

“It’s perplexing that he could be deported without prosecutors being informed,” Levenson remarked. “This situation exemplifies a failure in communication.”

The theft victims are also seeking answers regarding the situation. Jerry Kroll, representing some of the affected jewelry companies, stated, “When a defendant in a high-profile federal theft case leaves the country ahead of trial, the victims are deprived of closure, verdicts, and answers.”

The dramatic jewelry heist took place in July 2022 after the suspects tracked a Brinks truck departing from an international jewelry exhibition near San Francisco that was loaded with numerous bags of valuable jewels. Although victims claim losses exceeding $100 million, Brinks reported that the stolen items were worth less than $10 million.

A lawsuit from the Brinks security firm claimed one of the drivers was napping inside the truck while the other was purchasing food at the rest area when the thieves made their move.