The two suspects, one of whom is an illegal immigrant who had previously been deported, are accused by federal prosecutors of a string of armed robberies in Southern California.
According to a federal complaint, Jesus Soto Parada, 26, and Daniel Pabon, 20, were arrested on June 13 while fleeing the scene of a robbery at a 7-Eleven in the Los Angeles suburb of Gardena. The Justice Department said the pair are accused of robbing eight convenience stores over a five-month period.
“These defendants face federal criminal prosecution and potentially lengthy prison sentences for their allegedly repeated violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “Criminals should take note that we will work with local law enforcement more than ever before to send a clear message that violent crime has no place in our communities.”
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Federal prosecutors announced Monday that a Salvadoran national with multiple prior arrests was arrested in June and linked to a string of armed robberies across Southern California. (ice)
Federal prosecutors said Soto Parada was deported to El Salvador during the robbery spree, but later returned to the United States and committed more robberies. He lived in Los Angeles. Pavon is a Honduran national, but his legal status is unknown.
Fox News Digital has reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Soto Parada was arrested by federal authorities on immigration violations in 2016 and 2022. He was arrested March 7 and deported to El Salvador on April 12. On May 7, Pabon was arrested for possession of a weapon, according to prosecutors.
According to court documents, the suspect told authorities he needed the 9mm handgun for protection.
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According to authorities, Jesus Soto Parada, 26, and Daniel Pabon, 20, were arrested on June 13 while fleeing the scene following a robbery at a 7-Eleven in Gardena, a suburb of Los Angeles. (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Soto Parada, Pabon and other co-conspirators allegedly carried out their first robbery on Jan. 11, hitting convenience stores throughout Southern California in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Both men were arrested on traffic violations, and a search of the vehicle uncovered cash, a box of blue medical masks, a tracking device, a black replica semi-automatic handgun and two black long-sleeved hooded sweatshirts, prosecutors said.
Authorities said the pair were identified as the robbers by a clerk at the Gardena store where the robbery occurred and said they were wearing hooded sweatshirts during the robbery.
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In total, the suspects stole approximately $13,950 in cash and $7,415 in merchandise. They could face up to 20 years in prison.
