NewsKTLA 5November 10, 2026Los Angeles County
Suspect Agrees to Plead Guilty in Largest Jewelry Heist in U.S. History
Photo: KTLA 5
Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado has agreed to plead guilty in federal court for his role in targeting a Brink's semi-truck carrying 73 bags of luxury watches and gems in July 2022. Prosecutors allege the crew stole 24 bags of merchandise, with values disputed between $10 million and $100 million. Mestanza faces up to 20 years in federal prison at his Nov. 19 sentencing.
Read the full story at KTLA 5Why It Matters
The guilty plea moves the federal case forward as prosecutors seek accountability for millions of dollars in stolen luxury goods and tied regional cargo thefts.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
PersonCarlos Victor Mestanza Cercado“Identified as one of seven suspects charged in the heist.”OrganizationBrink's“Carried the jewelry shipment and reported the missing items' value.”locationOntario“Where the crew allegedly stole Samsung electronics.”locationLebec“Where the truck stopped at the Flying J along the Grapevine section of the 5 Fre”locationSan Mateo“Where the international jewelry show and the truck's departure took place.”locationPasadena“Where the jewelry truck was traveling to.”PersonJeson Nelon Presilla Flores“Another defendant in the case who was deported to South America.”