Suspect in Record US Jewellery Robbery Deports Himself, Escaping Justice
In a decision that has provoked significant controversy, federal immigration authorities in the United States permitted a key suspect in what is believed to be the nation's largest ever jewellery heist to voluntarily deport himself to South America. This move effectively allowed him to avoid a criminal trial where he faced the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence, leaving federal prosecutors both stunned and deeply frustrated.
The $100 Million Heist and the Suspect's Escape
The case centres on Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, one of seven individuals charged in connection with a meticulously planned robbery in July 2022. According to the indictment, the group targeted a Brink's armoured truck transporting gems from an international jewellery show near San Francisco. The thieves allegedly stalked the vehicle to a remote freeway rest stop north of Los Angeles before making off with a haul reported to contain millions of dollars' worth of diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and luxury designer watches.
Flores, a lawful permanent resident of the US, had pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit theft and theft from interstate and foreign shipment. If convicted, he faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. However, his path to trial was abruptly halted in late December when US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported him after he requested voluntary departure.
Prosecutorial Outrage and Legal Wrangling
The deportation has sparked a fierce legal battle and accusations of a systemic failure. Federal prosecutors, who were preparing their case, stated in court filings they were entirely unaware that Flores had an immigration detainer placed against him after he was taken into ICE custody in September, despite being out on bail for the criminal charges.
"This really was the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing," remarked former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the event in a case of such magnitude. She noted that while self-deportation can sometimes occur in minor cases, it is highly unusual for a major criminal defendant to be removed without prosecutors being consulted.
Flores' attorney, John D. Robertson, has filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, arguing that his client's prosecution rights were violated and the case should be permanently closed. Prosecutors vehemently oppose this, requesting the charges be dropped "without prejudice" to allow for potential future prosecution should Flores ever return to the United States.
Victims Left Without Closure
The decision has also drawn sharp criticism from the victims of the brazen theft. The jewelers who suffered the losses are demanding answers, feeling robbed of justice as well as their property.
"When a defendant in a major federal theft case leaves the country before trial, victims are left without answers, without a verdict, and without closure," said Jerry Kroll, an attorney representing some of the affected jewellery companies.
The heist itself involved striking the Brink's truck while one driver was asleep inside and the other was purchasing food. A subsequent lawsuit filed by Brink's contested the total value of the loss, claiming the stolen items were worth less than $10 million, significantly below the $100 million reported by the victims.
Following a December immigration hearing where his application for voluntary departure was denied, Flores was issued a final order of removal and was subsequently sent to Ecuador. This sequence of events has raised serious questions about coordination between US immigration enforcement and federal criminal justice agencies, leaving a major case unresolved and a suspect beyond the reach of American courts.
