South American nationals cop to $3M jewellery heist in California

Metro Loud
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A housebreaking crew accused of stealing $3 million value of jewellery from a retailer in Ventura County has pleaded responsible to the crime that devastated a household enterprise.

4 Chilean nationals have been named suspects final 12 months because the group accountable for burglarizing 5 Star Jewellery & Watch Restore in Simi Valley in Might 2025.

They have been recognized as Heidy Nickolt Trujillo, 26, Camilo Antonio Aguliar Lara, 32, Sergio Andres Meji-Machuca, 27, and Manuel David Ibarra, 38, KTLA reported.

4 Chilean nationals have pleaded responsible to a $3 million jewellery heist in Simi Valley, Ventura County, in Might 2025. Ventura County District Legal professional’s Workplace

On Might 20, the prison gang reportedly performed surveillance on the family-owned retailer and occasional store subsequent door, searching for safety cameras and inspecting partitions.

5 days later they returned with a ladder and twine, gaining entry to the roof and reducing a gap to entry the shops whereas spray-painting cameras to cover their actions.

Prosecutors mentioned the gang was capable of drill a gap although a shared wall between the companies and entry the secure.

They took off with over $3 million of jewellery, watches, money and valuables and fled to a house in Los Angeles County.

Retailer proprietor Jonathan Youssef mentioned the raid devastated his household enterprise and that his father — who opened the shop 25 years in the past — had been planning to retire earlier than the housebreaking.

The theft devastated the small family-owned 5 Star Jewellery. Google Maps
A few of the suspects have been discovered carrying the stolen gadgets after they have been arrested in June 2025. Ventura County District Legal professional’s Workplace

The suspects have been arrested by Simi Valley police on June 10, with a few of them reportedly carrying the stolen gadgets. A stolen firearm was additionally discovered by regulation enforcement.

Ibarra and Machuca additionally pleaded responsible to conspiracy to commit industrial housebreaking and felony vandalism for one more break-in at Simi Valley Pawn Brokers on Might 23, 2025, in accordance with KTLA.

Trujillo, the one feminine member of the gang, pleaded responsible to her function within the crime — a single rely of conspiracy to own stolen property.

“This was not a criminal offense of alternative,” mentioned Ventura County District Legal professional Erik Nasarenko. “These defendants deliberate rigorously, performed surveillance, and used specialised instruments and strategies to hold out a extremely refined housebreaking that precipitated huge monetary hurt. Their responsible pleas guarantee accountability and mirror the power of the proof on this case.”

The foursome face at the very least 4 years in jail and can discover out their destiny on February 20. All 4 stay behind bars on $100,000 bail.

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