August 6, 2024 - SANTA ANA, California – A South Los Angeles man was arraigned on Monday, charged in an eight-count federal grand jury indictment that alleges he and another defendant conducted a series of armed robberies at eight convenience stores across Southern California over a period of just over five months earlier this year.

The following defendants were both arrested fleeing from a robbery on June 13 and have been charged with eight counts of Hobbs Act robbery:

Jesus Soto-Parada, 26, who was deported to El Salvador during the robbery spree but later returned to the United States, continued the robbery spree, and was found to be residing in South Los Angeles, is scheduled to begin his trial on September 24.

Daniel Pavon, 20, a Honduran national living in Gardena, is currently in state custody and awaiting transfer to federal custody to face charges.

According to court documents, Soto, Pavon, and co-conspirators allegedly entered convenience stores wearing surgical masks. One suspect would reportedly brandish a handgun at the clerk while stealing money, while the other served as a lookout.

According to the indictment filed on June 26, Soto, Pavon, and their co-conspirators beginning on January 11, allegedly robbed convenience stores in Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Pomona, Newport Beach, Agoura Hills, and Gardena. The group reportedly stole approximately $13,950 in cash and $7,415 in merchandise.

Following the Gardena robbery on June 13, law enforcement located the suspects and conducted a traffic stop, resulting in the arrest of Soto and Pavon. During the search, officers reportedly discovered cash, a box of blue medical face masks, the tracking device, a black replica semi-automatic handgun, and two long-sleeved black hooded sweatshirts. Shortly afterward, a clerk at the victimized Gardena store was brought to the scene and identified Soto and Pavon as the individuals who committed the robbery, noting they were wearing the hooded sweatshirts during the robbery.

An indictment and complaint contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

“These defendants’ alleged violent crime spree has now earned them federal criminal charges carrying major potential prison time,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Criminals should take note that we are partnering with local law enforcement more than ever to send a clear message that violent crime has no place in our community.”   

Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.

If convicted, Soto and Pavon face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each Hobbs Act robbery count.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Orange County Violent Crime Task Force (OCVCTF), which is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, the Brea Police Department, the Santa Ana Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the Fullerton Police Department, is investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jena MacCabe of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Caitlin Campbell of the Santa Ana Branch Office are prosecuting this matter.
Source: DOJ Release