Federal immigration authorities allowed a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist to deport himself to South America in December. The decision shocked prosecutors, who had planned to try him and send him to prison.
The Heist and Charges
Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores was one of seven people charged in a 2022 heist. They stalked an armored truck to a rural freeway rest stop north of Los Angeles. There, they stole millions worth of diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and designer watches.
Flores faced up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted. His charges included conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipment and theft from interstate and foreign shipment. He pleaded not guilty.
Deportation and Legal Motions
ICE deported Flores in late December after he requested voluntary departure, according to court filings. Flores’s attorney, John D. Robertson, filed a motion to dismiss the indictment. He asked for the charges to be permanently dropped.
Federal prosecutors oppose the motion. They want the charges dismissed “without prejudice,” which would allow them to prosecute Flores if he returns to the United States.
Confusion Between Agencies
Despite being a lawful permanent resident and released on bail, Flores was taken into ICE custody in September. Prosecutors say they were unaware of his immigration detainer.
Robertson argued that deporting Flores without informing prosecutors violated his criminal prosecution rights. He said this justified dismissing the case.
Flores chose deportation to Chile during a December 16 hearing. The judge denied his voluntary departure application but issued a final order of removal. He was sent to Ecuador instead.
Prosecutors and Experts Express Concern
Prosecutors said they tried to allow the civil immigration process to play out alongside criminal charges. They noted that Flores now avoids trial and any potential conviction unless he returns.
Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson called the situation extremely unusual. She said immigration officials normally inform prosecutors about a defendant’s status. In minor cases, self-deportation might be allowed, but in a high-profile theft, this is rare.
“It’s just beyond me how they would deport him without the prosecutors knowing,” Levenson said.
Victims Demand Answers
The jewelers affected by the theft are also seeking answers. Jerry Kroll, attorney for some of the jewelry companies, said victims are left without closure when a major defendant leaves the country before trial.
Details of the Heist
The heist occurred in July 2022. The suspects tracked a Brink’s armored truck leaving an international jewelry show near San Francisco. They stole dozens of bags of jewels while one driver slept in the truck and the other was getting food at a rest stop.
Victims reported losses exceeding $100 million, though Brink’s stated the stolen items were worth less than $10 million.
