7 suspects identified in a US$100M jewelry heist near Los Angeles, thought to be largest in U.S. history

The logo for the U.S. Justice Department is seen before a news conference, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES — Seven people have been identified and charged with stalking an armoured truck to a rural freeway rest stop north of Los Angeles and stealing US$100 million worth of diamonds, emeralds and more in what is believed to be the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
Two of the seven suspects have been arrested and were due in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, court records showed. Four of them remained at-large Tuesday, while one of the suspects is serving prison time in Arizona for an unrelated burglary and was expected to appear in court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig and Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores were arrested Monday, and both have been indicted on federal theft and conspiracy charges, authorities said. The Associated Press sent emailed requests Tuesday seeking comment from their lawyers.
The heist unfolded in July 2022 after the suspects scouted the armoured truck leaving an international jewelry show near San Francisco with 73 bags of jewelry, according to the indictment.
The suspects followed the truck for roughly 300 miles (482 kilometres) to the rest stop north of Los Angeles, making off with 24 of the bags that authorities said also contained gold, rubies and luxury watches.
Some of the jewelry has since been recovered, the U.S. Attorney's Office in California said Tuesday in a news release.
Some of the suspects are also charged with other robberies, including one in March 2022 when US$240,000 worth of electronics was taken from a truck.
The indictment says some of the defendants would act as lookouts, while the others would break into trucks and steal the merchandise, sometimes by force or by threatening violence against the drivers.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

CTV News

37 minutes ago

• CTV News

Cubs legend Sammy Sosa returns to Wrigley Field after 20-plus year hiatus

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell talks to the media before a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) CHICAGO — Legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for the first time in more than 20 years on Friday before Chicago's afternoon game with the Seattle Mariners. Sosa, who is set to be inducted into the Cubs' team Hall of Fame this year, arrived at the iconic North Side ballpark in a black SUV. He was greeted by owner Tom Ricketts, who embraced him in a hug as he exited the vehicle. Sosa became the face of the Cubs franchise where he played 13 seasons after coming in a trade from the crosstown White Sox in March 1992. A seven-time All-Star, Sosa hit 545 homers in 1,811 games with the Cubs and hit a franchise-record 66 in 1998 when he was named the NL's MVP. Sosa, now 56, played his final game with the Cubs at Wrigley on Oct. 2, 2004, when he homered and had two hits in an 8-6 loss to Atlanta. During his years with the Cubs, Sosa appeared to bulk up drastically and was a headliner in a generation of baseball's biggest names linked to performance-enhancing drugs. The Cubs traded him to Baltimore with cash in February 2005 for three players. Sosa appeared to acknowledge using performance-enhancing drugs in December when he released a statement saying he was sorry for mistakes, without specifying them. 'There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games,' he said in the statement. 'I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.' On Friday morning, Sosa posed for photos with rising Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong outside the team's clubhouse and a video showed Sosa embracing manager Craig Counsell in his office before the game. The Cubs remained mum, however, on any ceremony or event before or during Friday's game. In Thursday's 8-7 loss to Milwaukee, Crow-Armstrong went deep to set a new team record for reaching 20 homers and 20-plus stolen stolen bases the fastest, doing it in 73 games. Sosa had the old mark of 96, set in 1994. Matt Carlson, The Associated Press

Globe and Mail

an hour ago

• Globe and Mail

Manhattan Child Custody Lawyer Richard Roman Shum Explains What Can Be Used Against a Parent in a Custody Battle

Navigating a custody dispute requires clarity, preparation, and an understanding of what courts consider when determining the best arrangement for a child. Manhattan child custody lawyer Richard Roman Shum ( sheds light on these legal challenges in his recent article, 'What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle?' This insightful breakdown helps parents understand what factors may negatively influence a judge's custody decision in New York. Richard Roman Shum, a Manhattan child custody lawyer at the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq., explains that New York courts assess custody based on the child's best interests. No preference is given to either parent based on gender. Every decision made by the court reflects a comprehensive evaluation of the parent's ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. As Shum outlines, actions and behaviors that may seem minor in daily life—like missing visits, sending inappropriate messages, or failing to comply with court orders—can become pivotal in custody proceedings. One of the key areas that courts examine, as noted by Manhattan child custody lawyer Richard Roman Shum, is any history of abuse. This includes physical, emotional, or psychological harm. 'A consistent pattern of physical aggression, such as hitting, choking, or inflicting bodily harm, indicates a potentially dangerous environment, and courts will act to protect the child from future risk,' he states. Even if the abuse does not happen in the child's presence, it can still impact custody decisions. Harassment, intimidation, or controlling behaviors are also taken seriously, especially when they create an unstable home. Substance abuse is another significant factor in custody cases. Shum explains that courts consider not only whether a parent has a history of drug or alcohol misuse, but also the steps taken to address the issue. Voluntarily participating in treatment programs, maintaining long-term sobriety, and agreeing to supervised visitation or drug testing are all positive indicators of parental responsibility. On the other hand, denial, concealment of substance use, or refusal to comply with monitoring measures can undermine a parent's position. Mental and emotional health plays a similarly critical role in the court's analysis. According to Richard Roman Shum, courts do not automatically penalize parents for having a mental health diagnosis. What matters is whether the condition affects their ability to parent. For instance, untreated symptoms that result in unpredictable or disruptive behavior may be viewed as compromising to a child's welfare. However, consistent treatment and medical compliance can demonstrate stability and reliability in caregiving. Criminal history is also scrutinized, with a focus on the nature, timing, and frequency of offenses. Violent crimes, domestic violence, and serious drug offenses carry the greatest risk to a parent's custody claim. Even non-violent offenses can raise questions about judgment and reliability, particularly if the criminal behavior is recent or recurrent. Courts also consider whether a parent has made genuine efforts toward rehabilitation. Neglect and lack of involvement are additional red flags in custody proceedings. Failing to meet a child's physical, educational, or emotional needs is often interpreted as a lack of parental commitment. Richard Roman Shum outlines examples such as returning children without proper care, missing school events, or ignoring court-mandated visitations. Such behaviors can paint a picture of disengagement, which judges take seriously when considering custody arrangements. Financial stability is another core component. While income alone doesn't determine custody, the ability to consistently provide housing, food, clothing, and medical care reflects on a parent's suitability. Irresponsible financial behavior, such as unpaid child support, heavy debt, or unstable housing, can weaken a parent's case, especially when the other parent demonstrates greater consistency and responsibility. The article also discusses how non-compliance with legal orders, including court-mandated visitations, support payments, or protective directives, can significantly damage a custody claim. Failing to honor these obligations shows a disregard for legal structure and may lead to reduced parenting time or even supervised visitation. To improve custody outcomes, Richard Roman Shum emphasizes the importance of proactive steps. These include following all court orders, being actively involved in the child's life, addressing personal issues like substance abuse or mental health conditions voluntarily, maintaining a stable home, and communicating respectfully with the other parent. Courts in New York place a premium on action and consistency. Demonstrating reliable parenting through day-to-day involvement, adherence to legal requirements, and a focus on the child's well-being is key. As Shum explains, 'New York courts value action over intention, and tangible proof of good parenting will always carry more weight than verbal promises alone.' Parents facing custody disputes in Manhattan can look to the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. for guidance through every stage of the process. With legal support tailored to each family's circumstances, the firm helps clients avoid missteps and present the strongest possible case for custody. Building a strong foundation of stability, responsibility, and legal compliance is essential for securing favorable outcomes in court. Parents seeking direction and legal support in a custody matter can begin by consulting with the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. A clear legal strategy and documented record of responsible parenting provide the best path to a custody arrangement that supports the child's best interests. About Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. serves families in Manhattan with legal representation focused on family law. The firm is committed to helping parents navigate custody disputes by providing guidance rooted in New York family law and the best interests of the child. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: richard@ Website:

National Post

an hour ago

• National Post

NFL legend caught on video in wild fist fight over poker game

Article content Former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson fought for every yard on the football field, but now he has been caught on video fighting over a card game. Article content In the clip, which was obtained by TMZ Sports, Peterson and another man were involved in a disagreement while playing a game and things escalated to the point where punches were thrown. Article content During the incident, which occurred on May 27, the two men stand up from their table and squared off before another man stands between the two, attempting to de-escalate the situation before the man throws the first punch in Peterson's direction. Article content Former #NFL superstar #AdrianPeterson got into a fistfight with a poker player following a dispute over a hand ... and #TMZSports has obtained video of the tussle. — TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) June 19, 2025 Article content According to the outlet, bloody wounds were visible on both of their faces after the scrap ended. Article content Peterson, however, claims he sustained his injury after he fell into a chair and not from a punch. Article content After all was said and done, Peterson says that he and the other man are 'cool' now. Article content 'Me and the guy, we're cool,' Peterson told TMZ. 'We've known each other. It was literally like a brother situation. We agreed to disagree, we had our words, and we threw blows — and that was it.' Article content Police reportedly were not called to investigate the incident and the establishment did not punish either man. Article content Peterson also admitted that he regrets that things escalated to that point, saying 'I felt really bad … It's a situation where I kind of regret it.' Article content Peterson also said that alcohol was involved but insisted that it wasn't a factor in why the scene turned violent. Article content