ICE Deports Suspect in $100m Jewelry Heist, Stunning Prosecutors
Federal immigration authorities have sparked controversy by allowing a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist, believed to be the largest in US history, to deport himself to South America in December. This unexpected move has left prosecutors stunned and upset, as they were actively preparing to bring the case to trial and seek a prison sentence.
Details of the Case and Deportation
Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores was one of seven individuals charged last year in connection with a sophisticated 2022 robbery. The group allegedly stalked an armored truck to a rural freeway rest stop north of Los Angeles, making off with millions of dollars worth of diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and designer watches. Flores faced serious federal charges, including conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipment, which could have resulted in up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He had pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
According to court filings, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Flores in late December after he requested voluntary departure. Despite being a lawful permanent resident and released on bail, Flores was taken into ICE custody in September. Federal prosecutors have stated they were unaware of an immigration detainer against him at the time.
Legal Proceedings and Prosecution Response
Flores's attorney, John D Robertson, has filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, arguing that the deportation violated his client's criminal prosecution rights and warrants the case being permanently closed. In response, federal prosecutors oppose this motion, seeking to have the charges dropped "without prejudice" to allow for potential future prosecution if Flores returns to the United States.
Prosecutors emphasised in their filings that they followed standard procedure by allowing the civil immigration process to proceed independently while criminal charges were pending. They noted, however, that this inadvertently benefited Flores, as he will now avoid trial and any potential conviction unless he re-enters the country.
Unusual Nature of the Case
Legal experts have described the situation as highly unusual, particularly given the significance of the case. Former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson highlighted that in typical scenarios, immigration officials would inform prosecutors of any proceedings against a criminal defendant. She expressed disbelief that deportation could occur without prosecutors being involved in the conversation, suggesting a lack of coordination between agencies.
"It's just beyond me how they would deport him without the prosecutors ... being in on the conversation," Levenson said. "This really was the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing."
Impact on Victims and Broader Context
The jewelers affected by the theft are demanding answers, feeling left without closure due to the suspect's departure. Jerry Kroll, an attorney representing some of the jewelry companies, told the Los Angeles Times that victims are deprived of a verdict and resolution when a defendant in a major federal case leaves the country before trial.
The heist itself unfolded in July 2022 after suspects reportedly scouted a Brink's tractor-trailer leaving an international jewelry show near San Francisco. While victims reported losses exceeding $100 million, Brink's has contested this figure, claiming the stolen items were worth less than $10 million. A lawsuit filed by Brink's revealed that one driver was asleep and another was inside a rest stop during the theft.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in coordinating immigration and criminal justice processes, raising questions about accountability and victim rights in high-profile investigations.
