Seven foreign nationals have been charged with the burglary of two jewelry stores, during which they stole over $1 million in jewelry from a Glendale shop and disrupted 911 and internet services affecting more than a million households and hospitals, authorities reported on Thursday.
The defendants, named as Jose Millafil, Javier Sepulveda, Cristian Gonzalezaburto, Luka Pazitiani, Vera Matias, Victor Iturriagalopez, and Edson Gonzalez, face multiple felony charges, including grand theft, second-degree commercial burglary, and vandalism involving fiber optic cables. This was disclosed by District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
Investigators allege that on May 26, the group broke into Bidrussian Jewelry in Glendale, cutting through the roof and stealing jewelry valued over $1 million. Then, on June 29, they targeted Rodeo Jewelry in La Verne, attempting another rooftop entry while using signal jammers and severing utility lines and fiber optic cables. Four of them were apprehended on the roof, and the remaining three were arrested after fleeing the scene in separate vehicles, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The Glendale police, supported by the La Verne, Claremont, and Glendora police departments, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s San Dimas Station, conducted the arrests.
The defendants were arraigned on Wednesday, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court set bail at $2 million for each defendant, a decision made at prosecutors’ request, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 28 at the Burbank Courthouse.
If found guilty, each defendant faces a potential prison sentence of 13 years and eight months. “To those involved in organized crime targeting businesses in Los Angeles County: No matter how carefully planned your crimes may be, you will be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Hochman stated. He further emphasized the reckless nature of the crimes, which not only endanger livelihoods but also jeopardize community safety by disabling emergency services.
