On December 6, three of five defendants appeared in federal court in connection with an indictment charging conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on December 15, 2023, Ildemar Jose Chirinos-Torres, Briann Ricardo Hernandez-Castillo, Larry Junior Mendez-Ruiz, Alejandro Moises, and Raynner Jorland Pacheco-Sandoval, all from Venezuela, drove through the Miami Design District targeting wealthy individuals for robbery.
According to the charges, Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo exited the getaway vehicle and robbed a tourist at gunpoint, stealing a high-end watch valued at up to $100,000. Surveillance footage captured the robbery. During the escape, Chirinos-Torres allegedly shot multiple rounds at an undercover detective, who was fortunately uninjured.
The defendants are accused of working together, with Pacheco-Sandoval acting as a lookout for victims wearing expensive jewelry. Mendez-Ruiz and Moises were involved in the getaway and transportation of the group.
Mendez-Ruiz, Moises, and Pacheco-Sandoval were ordered detained pending trial, while Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo have not yet had their initial court appearances. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Altanese Phenelus, with investigation support from the ATF and the Miami Police Department.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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