Anger as suspect in $100M jewelry heist avoids trial – because ICE deported him
www.independent.co.uk
An attorney representing some of the jewelry companies impacted in the heist said Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores’s deportation ‘exposes a gap in the system that deserves transparency’

Last month, federal officials allegedly deported one of the suspects in a massive 2022 jewelry heist in Southern California where thieves made off with $100 million in merchandise, in what prosecutors have called the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.

Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores was sent to Ecuador on or about December 29, according to court documents obtained by The Los Angeles Times. He was believed to be linked to a raid on a Brinks truck that netted a fortune in stolen jewels, gold and watches.

  • jubilationtcornpone@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    129·
    19 hours ago

    The officials said Flores appeared at an immigration hearing on December 16, where he represented himself, and admitted to the allegations against him then requested voluntary departure.

    If a bunch of morons offer you a get out of jail free card and a one way ticket to freedomville, you take it.

    The prosecutors added they “remain eager to prosecute defendant for his crimes and vindicate his victims” if he returns to the country.

    That dude won the jackpot, cashed in his chips, walked out the front door, and he is never coming back.

    This whole story couldn’t be more ridiculous if it were a Looney Toon’s episode.

    • captainlezbian@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      15 minutes ago

      Idk it could be more looney tunes if he does it again. It would be dumb as fuck and he seems smart but still.

      Also, legally still innocent. If I were in the position of a falsely accused version of him, you bet your ass I’m doing the exact same thing. Prison slavery or cecot for a crime I didn’t commit or take the out that’s presented.

    • BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.todayEnglish
      4·
      6 hours ago

      When word got back to the White House, they all nodded in respect, and Trump intoned “Game recognizes Game.”

      • Fedizen@lemmy.worldEnglish
        5·
        10 hours ago

        I mean for all we know he already did. Plus an ice officer would get two deportations toward his quota if this happened. Win/win

      • Echo Dot@feddit.ukEnglish
        23·
        16 hours ago

        It’s probably a bit too much of gamble to risk doing it ever again. Deportation is absolutely fine but you don’t want to end up in one of their concentration camps.

        • lightnsfw@reddthat.comEnglish
          12·
          15 hours ago

          I think that’s where the voluntary part comes in. He wasn’t fighting it so they just shipped him off. If he’d fight it then it’s off to camp while we arrange your hearing (whenever we decide to get around to it).

          • Echo Dot@feddit.ukEnglish
            3·
            10 hours ago

            They’ve arrested people who are trying to leave the country, so I wouldn’t rely on that logic.