Los Angeles, California — Federal prosecutors are scrambling after immigration authorities allowed a key suspect in what is believed to be the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history to leave the country before his criminal trial, a move legal experts describe as highly unusual and deeply troubling.
Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores was one of seven defendants charged in connection with a 2022 theft in which suspects allegedly followed a Brink’s armored truck to a remote freeway rest stop north of Los Angeles and stole diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and luxury watches valued by victims at more than $100 million. Flores, who pleaded not guilty, faced up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
Despite being a lawful permanent resident and released on bail, Flores was taken into ICE custody in September while his criminal case was still pending. In December, Immigration and Customs Enforcement allowed him to pursue voluntary departure, and he was ultimately removed from the U.S. following an immigration hearing. Prosecutors later said they were unaware an immigration detainer had been placed on him.
Flores’s attorney has now moved to dismiss the indictment entirely, arguing that deporting his client violated his right to a fair criminal process. Federal prosecutors oppose that request, instead asking the court to dismiss the charges without prejudice so Flores could be prosecuted if he ever returns.
Former federal prosecutors said coordination failures between immigration and criminal authorities are rare in cases of this magnitude. Victims’ attorneys have also demanded answers, warning that the departure leaves them without accountability, closure, or a verdict in a major federal theft case.
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