Federal immigration authorities approved the self-deportation of a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist, allowing him to avoid trial and escape potential prison time.
Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, 42, was one of seven people charged last year with following an armored truck to a rural freeway rest stop in California and stealing diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies and designer watches in July 2022, which is believed to be the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.
Flores was facing up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipments and theft from interstate and foreign shipments. He pleaded not guilty.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Flores late last month after he asked for a voluntary departure, prosecutors said in court filings.
The jewelers that the suspects stole from are also seeking answers from immigration authorities.
