Seven men from California have been indicted in connection with the 2022 theft of an estimated $100 million worth of jewelry, gold, gemstones, and luxury watches from a Brink’s truck.
Named as the largest jewelry theft in U.S. history by DOJ, the shipment was stolen while en route between two jewelry trade shows in California.
Details of the Incident
On July 11, 2022, a Brink’s truck carrying 73 bags of jewelry and related goods from an international jewelry show in San Mateo was targeted at a rest stop in Lebec, California. According to court documents, 24 bags were removed from the truck while it was unattended overnight. The suspects reportedly followed the vehicle for approximately 300 miles before committing the theft. No weapons were used, and the truck’s padlock is believed to have been sawed off.
The vehicle was travelling to another jewelry event in Pasadena at the time of the theft. Authorities recovered some of the stolen items during June 2025 search warrants, though the total recovery remains unclear.
Individuals Charged and Related Allegations
The DOJ named the following individuals in the indictment:
- Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado, 31, of Pasadena
- Jazael Padilla Resto (also known as Ricardo Noel Moya), 36, currently in Arizona state custody
- Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig (also known as Walter Loza), 41, of Rialto
- Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, 60, of Los Angeles
- Jorge Enrique Alban, 33, of South Los Angeles
- Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, 42, of Upland
- Eduardo Macias Ibarra, 36, of Los Angeles
The defendants face charges including conspiracy to commit theft from an interstate shipment and theft from an interstate shipment. Several are also charged under the Hobbs Act with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
Some of the defendants are also alleged to have committed other cargo-related thefts earlier in 2022, including stealing electronics and attempting to break into trucks at additional rest stops in Southern California.
Legal Proceedings and Industry Implications
If convicted, Mestanza, Padilla, Lugo, Valencia, and Alban could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery-related charge. All defendants face up to 10 years for each theft charge and up to five years for the conspiracy charge. Legal representation for the defendants has not been confirmed.
Jerry Kroll, an attorney representing several affected jewelers, commented on the impact to his clients: “Some of them are 85 years old. This is really serious. If there is something there for any of these clients, we’d be very grateful.”
This case highlights risks associated with transporting valuable goods between trade shows, especially during overnight or unsecured stops. It also points to ongoing concerns about cargo security and the methods used by organized groups targeting shipments within the sector.
