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2024 True Crime Updates: Idaho Murders, LISK, Mexico Surfer Deaths
It looks like there may be a new Ocean's 7.
Seven men were charged in connection to a 2022 robbery that federal prosecutors described as "the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history," according to a June 17 press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for California's Central district.
The defendants—identified as Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado, 31, Jazael Padilla Resto, 36, Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig, 41, Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, 60, Jorge Enrique Alban, 33, Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, 42, and Eduardo Macias Ibarra, 36—have been accused of stealing nearly $100 million in gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and luxury watches from an armored car in July 2022, per the release.
At the time, the truck was transporting 73 bags containing millions of dollars of jewelry that had been displayed at an international jewelry show in San Mateo, Calif., according to prosecutors. The men allegedly tracked the vehicle for 300 miles before stopping it in Lebec, Calif., and stealing 24 of the bags, which the victims have valued at $100 million.
And while the U.S. Attorney's Office didn't disclose in the release how the men are believed to have gained access to the truck, they said some of the stolen jewelry has since been recovered during the execution of June 16 search warrants.
Following the robbery, all seven men were indicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipment and theft from interstate and foreign shipment, per the release.
Kanishka Sonthalia/Bloomberg
Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia and Alban were also charged with two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery, as well as additional counts of theft from interstate and foreign shipment.
If convicted, Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery charge, and all seven defendants face maximum sentences of five years in federal prison for the theft conspiracy charge and 10 years in federal prison for each theft charge.
NBC News was unable to confirm if they have lawyers who can speak on their behalf.
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