Two individuals, one of whom is an undocumented immigrant with a history of deportation, are facing federal charges related to a series of armed robberies in Southern California.
Jesus Soto-Parada, 26, and Daniel Pavon, 20, were apprehended on June 13 while escaping from a robbery at a 7-Eleven in Gardena, a city in the Los Angeles area, according to a federal court filing. The Justice Department reported that both men are accused of robbing a total of eight convenience stores over a span of five months.
“The violent crime spree allegedly committed by these defendants has resulted in federal charges that could lead to significant prison sentences,” stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Criminals should be aware that we are collaborating with local law enforcement more intensely than ever to convey a definitive message that violent crime will not be tolerated in our community.”
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A citizen of El Salvador, with a record of arrests, was apprehended in June and linked to an armed robbery wave across Southern California, according to federal prosecutors on Monday. (ICE)
Soto-Parada was deported to El Salvador during the time frame of the robberies but later returned to the U.S. only to continue his criminal activities, federal prosecutors revealed. He resided in Los Angeles, while Pavon’s legal status as a Honduran citizen remains uncertain.
Fox News Digital has contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further comment.
Soto-Parada faced previous arrests in 2016 and 2022 for immigration offenses. He was apprehended on March 7 and subsequently deported back to El Salvador on April 12. Pavon was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm on May 7, according to prosecutors.
He informed authorities that he required the 9 mm gun for self-defense, as recorded in court documents.
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As reported by authorities, Jesus Soto-Parada, 26, and Daniel Pavon, 20, were arrested on June 13 while attempting to flee from a robbery incident at a 7-Eleven in Gardena, a suburb of Los Angeles. (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Soto-Parada, Pavon, and their accomplices reportedly began their robbery spree on January 11, targeting various convenience stores across Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The men were arrested during a routine traffic stop. Upon searching their vehicle, law enforcement discovered cash, a box of blue medical masks, a tracking device, a black replica semi-automatic pistol, and two long-sleeved black hooded sweatshirts, according to prosecutors.
A store clerk at one of the robbed locations in Gardena identified both suspects as being involved in the crime, mentioning that they wore hooded sweatshirts during the incident.
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Overall, the suspects are believed to have stolen approximately $13,950 in cash and $7,415 worth of merchandise. They are facing potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
