Home / Crime and Justice / Jewel Heist Suspect Self-Deports Before Trial
Jewel Heist Suspect Self-Deports Before Trial
22 Jan
Summary
- Suspect deported to South America in December.
- Alleged involvement in $100m jewelry heist.
- Prosecutors unaware of immigration proceedings.
Federal immigration authorities permitted Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores to self-deport to South America in December, stunning prosecutors who intended to try him for his alleged role in a colossal $100 million jewelry heist. This event, believed to be the largest in US history, involved an armored truck being ambushed in 2022.
Flores, facing up to 15 years for conspiracy and theft charges, pleaded not guilty. Despite being a lawful permanent resident on bail, he was taken into ICE custody in September. Prosecutors claim they were unaware of an immigration detainer, a fact his defense argues violated his rights.
During a December 16 immigration hearing, Flores opted for voluntary departure to Chile. Though his application was denied, a judge issued a final order of removal, and he was sent to Ecuador. This series of events is considered highly unusual, especially in a case of this magnitude.
Victims of the heist, which occurred in July 2022 after suspects followed a truck from a jewelry show, are demanding answers. The stolen items were reportedly worth less than $10 million, according to Brink's, though victims reported over $100 million in losses.
