Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty to Armed Robberies in California

A previously deported individual, Jesus Sotoparada, aged 27 and originally from El Salvador, has pleaded guilty to multiple armed robberies targeting convenience stores in California, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

He was taken into custody on June 13, 2024, after fleeing a robbery at a 7-Eleven near Los Angeles, where a clerk had hidden a GPS device along with stolen cash. Authorities revealed that Sotoparada and his accomplices were involved in a string of robberies across eight cities over five months.

Facing a total of 11 theft charges, Sotoparada admitted to seven incidents occurring between January and June 2024 in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Federal prosecutors indicated he pleaded guilty to eight felony counts, including conspiracy to obstruct commerce through robbery and seven counts related to robbery under the Hobbs Act, which addresses robbery and extortion that affects commerce.

Prior to these events, Sotoparada had a history of immigration violations, having been arrested by federal authorities in both 2016 and 2022. He reportedly committed one of these robberies in March 2024, was deported soon after, but managed to return to the U.S. and continue his criminal activities.

In the June 13 robbery at the 7-Eleven, police successfully apprehended Sotoparada and his associate, Daniel Pabon, using a GPS device linked to stolen money, which allowed them to track the two. During the robbery, Sotoparada, dressed in a blue surgical mask and black sweatshirt, emptied the cash register while Pabon threatened the clerk with a replica handgun.

Overall, the suspects stole around $13,950 in cash and about $7,415 worth of merchandise. Sentencing for Sotoparada is set for April 15, 2026, and prosecutors are considering a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each charge.