In brief
Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores was implicated in a $100 million jewelry heist and faced up to 15 years in prison. After requesting voluntary departure, he was deported to South America, infuriating prosecutors and leaving victims seeking closure. The incident raises concerns over immigration procedures amid criminal prosecution.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a suspect in the largest recorded jewelry heist in U.S. history, was permitted to self-deport to South America in December 2022, a decision that has appalled and frustrated federal prosecutors readying to bring him to trial.Flores was one of seven individuals charged with the theft of millions in diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and luxury watches from an armored truck at a rural rest stop north of Los Angeles in 2022. If convicted, he faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison but pleaded not guilty to the charges.According to court documents, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) granted Flores his request for voluntary departure, enabling him to leave the country rather than face prosecution.Flores's attorney has moved to dismiss the indictment against him, seeking to permanently drop the case. While federal prosecutors have opposed this motion, they remain hopeful to revive the case in the future. They request that any charges be dismissed 'without prejudice' to leave the option for future prosecution open.Prosecutors expressed concern, stating, 'Despite the voluntary departure, challenges remain regarding the proper administration of justice.' They were reportedly unaware of an immigration detainer on Flores at that time.In September, prior to his deportation, Flores, a lawful permanent resident, was taken into custody by ICE, marking a significant breach of his rights concerning criminal prosecution, as his attorney highlighted in the motion.During a December 16 immigration hearing, Flores was granted a final order of removal to Ecuador, despite the judge denying his voluntary departure application. Legal experts remark that cases such as these, particularly involving serious criminal charges, rarely culminate in deportation absent the prosecutors' knowledge.Victims in the jewelry heist, including several jewelry companies, are demanding accountability and clarification on the sudden deportation of Flores, which leaves them without resolution in a significant federal theft case.
