A suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist in Los Angeles was allowed to self-deport back to his home country by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE officers reportedly transported 42-year-old Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores back to South America after requesting voluntary departure.
Flores was one of seven men charged in connection with the dramatic 2022 theft of around $100 million in gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and luxury watches from a Brinks armored truck at a California freeway rest stop. The group of suspects allegedly stalked the truck carrying the high-value cargo from a jewelry show in Northern California to the Flying J truck stop in Southern California, where they seized dozens of bags of jewelry.
Flores had been facing federal charges including conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipments and theft from interstate and foreign shipments, which carry a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years if he were convicted. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond while awaiting trial in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Despite the impending prosecution, immigration authorities with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement approved his request for voluntary departure during immigration proceedings in December 2025, according to court filings. Flores was subsequently deported to Ecuador around December 28, effectively halting the criminal trial.
The unexpected development stunned prosecutors, who say they were unaware of the immigration detainer and did not know Flores had been deported until after the fact. In filings opposed by Flores' defense attorney, federal prosecutors argued that they still intend to pursue prosecution if Flores returns to the U.S., asking the court to dismiss the case "without prejudice," which would permit future charges.
Flores' lawyer, John D. Robertson, has filed a motion to dismiss the indictment permanently, contending that deportation violated Flores' right to criminal prosecution and asserting that immigration and criminal proceedings were improperly coordinated. Jerry Kroll, attorney for several impacted jewelers, expressed frustration that Flores' departure deprives victims of answers, a verdict and closure in a matter involving millions of dollars in losses.
Department of Homeland Security officials noted that Flores had previous criminal convictions that rendered him removable as an alien, leading to the removal order issued by an immigration judge after his request for voluntary departure. Flores entered the United States in 2001 as a lawful permanent resident, according to DHS statements.
