Federal immigration officials approved the voluntary departure of Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a suspect in an alleged July 2022 jewelry robbery that prosecutors describe as a $100 million heist, allowing him to leave the U.S. before his federal trial. Flores, one of seven indicted, faced up to 15 years on federal theft and conspiracy charges and has pleaded not guilty. His attorney asked to dismiss the indictment permanently; prosecutors requested dismissal "without prejudice" to preserve the right to refile if he returns. The case has raised questions about coordination between ICE and federal prosecutors and has left victims seeking answers.
U.S. Immigration Lets Key Suspect in Alleged $100M Jewelry Heist Leave Country Before Trial
Federal immigration authorities allowed a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist to deport himself to Ecuador.(AP Images)
Federal immigration officials approved the voluntary departure of Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a suspect in an alleged July 2022 jewelry robbery described by prosecutors as a $100 million heist, allowing him to leave the United States before his federal trial.
What Happened
Flores, 42, was one of seven people indicted last year after prosecutors say the group followed a Brink's armored tractor-trailer from an international jewelry show near San Francisco to a remote freeway rest stop and stole dozens of bags of jewels, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, gold and designer watches. Federal authorities characterize the incident as the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.
Legal Stakes
Flores pleaded not guilty to charges that include conspiracy and theft from interstate and foreign shipments. If convicted, he faced up to 15 years in federal prison.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores late last month after he asked for a voluntary departure.
Immigration Proceedings and Departure
Court filings show Flores, a lawful permanent resident released on bail, was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in September. Flores sought removal to Chile at an immigration hearing on Dec. 16; a judge denied his request for voluntary departure but issued a final order of removal. Prosecutors say Flores was deported late last month to Ecuador after requesting voluntary departure.
Procedural Conflict
Defense: Flores's attorney, John D. Robertson, moved to dismiss the indictment permanently, arguing that the transfer to immigration custody and Flores's departure interfered with his client’s criminal-prosecution rights.
Prosecution: Federal prosecutors opposed permanent dismissal and asked the court to dismiss "without prejudice," preserving the option to refile charges if Flores returns to the United States. In filings, prosecutors said the civil immigration process can proceed independently of criminal matters and that, in this case, it resulted in the defendant leaving the country before trial.
Federal prosecutors said they still want to bring Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores to trial.
"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 jewelry companies.
Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson told The Associated Press the handling of Flores' case is unusual given the alleged scale of the crime and that immigration authorities typically coordinate with prosecutors when criminal defendants face removal proceedings.
Victims and Value Dispute
The companies whose goods were taken have demanded explanations from immigration authorities. Victims reported losses of more than $100 million, while Brink's has said the stolen items were worth under $10 million. A lawsuit by Brink's alleges one driver was asleep in the vehicle and the other had left to buy food when the thieves forced entry.
Note: The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
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