Federal prosecutors have charged seven men in what’s now called the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history. The suspects, with immigration statuses ranging from U.S. citizens to undocumented individuals, stole over $100 million in diamonds, Rolex watches, emeralds, and other valuables from a Brinks semitruck in Southern California in July 2022—without violence, weapons, or witnesses.
Over a span of minutes, the crew snatched 24 bags filled with high-value items, including a lavender jade stone the size of a cicada. For three years, the case remained unsolved. That changed on June 17, when federal authorities announced arrests tied to this and several related cargo truck thefts dating back to March 2022.
“These men were organized, prepared, and highly professional,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena MacCabe. “They developed a repeatable, effective system for targeting shipments.”
Here’s how officials say the crew pulled off the record-breaking heist—and how they were finally caught.
How the jewelry heist went down
Prosecutors revealed that on July 10, 2022, a robbery crew began tracking a Brinks truck after spotting it being loaded with high-value jewelry at an international show in San Mateo, south of San Francisco. Rather than striking immediately, they followed the vehicle for 300 miles to a gas station in Lebec, a remote area about 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
When the truck’s driver and guard went inside, the crew acted swiftly—breaking in and stealing 24 out of 73 bags filled with luxury items under cover of night. Some members served as lookouts, possibly explaining why not all the cargo was taken.
Realizing the scale of their haul, the thieves quickly moved to erase their digital footprints, including deactivating phone numbers, then vanished without a trace, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena MacCabe.
Prosecutors: Heist was the first of a half dozen
The robbery crew’s crime spree began on March 2, 2022, when they followed a truck transporting Samsung electronics and struck during a quick stop in Ontario, California. While some distracted the driver inside a store, others stole $240,000 in merchandise, according to a federal indictment unsealed June 17.
Prosecutors linked the group to additional thefts:
March 11, 2022: The crew targeted a box truck carrying Apple AirTags from China en route to a Fontana warehouse. When the driver stopped for food, they attempted the heist. He returned early, and one thief allegedly threatened him with a knife. The driver wasn’t harmed, and the group escaped with $57,000 in AirTags.
May 25, 2022: The men used a crowbar to break into a semitruck hauling Samsung electronics, stealing $14,000 in goods.
These thefts led up to the group’s largest hit—the $100 million jewelry heist.
How investigators solved the crime
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena MacCabe said investigators relied heavily on cellphone data to crack the case—despite the suspects deactivating their numbers. Surveillance footage, including video from the Flying J gas station in Lebec where the $100 million jewelry heist occurred, also played a key role.
“It came down to the investigators’ persistence—interviewing victims, analyzing surveillance, identifying vehicles, and reviewing phone records,” MacCabe explained. “That combined effort led us to the seven men now charged.”
The stolen jewelry belonged to exhibitors from across the U.S. who had displayed their collections at the California show. Authorities recovered some items during search warrants executed on June 16, though MacCabe confirmed it was less than half the total haul. The remaining pieces are still being traced.
As for the stolen goods’ fate, MacCabe noted, “We haven’t seen signs of lavish spending. We’re still piecing together how the proceeds were used.”
What are the men charged with?
Federal prosecutors named seven men indicted in the $100 million jewelry heist and related cargo thefts, listing their most recent known locations and charges:
Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado, 31, of Pasadena, CA
Jazael Padilla Resto (aliases: Ricardo Noel Moya, Ricardo Barbosa, Alberto Javier Loza Chamorro), 36, currently in an Arizona prison for third-degree burglary
- Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig (a.k.a. Walter Loza), 41, of Rialto, CA
- Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, 60, of Los Angeles, CA
- Jorge Enrique Alban, 33, of Los Angeles, CA
- Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, 42, of Upland, CA
- Eduardo Macias Ibarra, 36, of Los Angeles, CA
All seven face two counts of conspiracy and theft from interstate and foreign shipments. Additionally, Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban face two more counts related to robbery and interference with commerce.
Padilla remains incarcerated in Arizona. Prosecutors said Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban each face up to 20 years in prison, while Flores and Ibarra could receive up to 15 years.
Authorities have not confirmed the immigration status of the suspects or identified their legal representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was stolen in the $100 million jewelry heist?
The thieves stole over $100 million in valuables, including diamonds, emeralds, Rolex watches, and other high-end jewelry items. The haul was taken from a Brinks armored truck in Southern California.
When and where did the jewelry heist occur?
The robbery took place on July 11, 2022, at a gas station in Lebec, California, after the Brinks truck departed from a jewelry trade show in San Mateo, near San Francisco.
How did the robbers carry out the heist?
The crew followed the Brinks truck for 300 miles and waited for the driver and guard to leave the vehicle unattended at a gas station. They then broke into the truck and stole 24 out of 73 bags of valuables.
Was anyone hurt during the robbery?
No. The heist was executed without violence, weapons, or witnesses, which initially made the case difficult to solve.
Who are the suspects in the case?
Federal prosecutors have charged seven men with conspiracy and theft, including individuals from Los Angeles, Pasadena, Rialto, Upland, and one currently imprisoned in Arizona. Some used multiple aliases.
How were the suspects identified?
Authorities used cellphone data, surveillance footage, and vehicle tracking to link the suspects to the crime. Despite efforts to cover their tracks, evidence helped investigators connect them to this and other thefts.
Is any of the stolen jewelry recovered?
As of June 2025, authorities have recovered less than half of the stolen items. Many pieces are still missing and believed to be in the black market or hidden.
What are the charges and potential penalties?
The suspects face multiple federal charges, including conspiracy and theft from interstate shipments. Some could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Was this the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history?
Yes. Authorities have called it the largest jewelry theft ever in the United States based on the value of the stolen goods.
Where can I find updates on the case?
Updates are available through USA TODAY, Department of Justice press releases, and major national news outlets as the case proceeds through the courts.
Conclusion
The $100 million Brinks jewelry heist stands as the most significant theft of its kind in U.S. history—marked by precision, planning, and a near-flawless execution. Despite the crew’s efforts to erase their tracks, a combination of cellphone data, surveillance footage, and persistent investigative work led to the arrest of seven suspects connected to a series of high-value cargo thefts.
While some stolen items have been recovered, much of the treasure remains missing, and the case continues to unfold. This unprecedented heist serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in high-value transport—and the lengths sophisticated criminal networks will go to exploit them.
