Two Central-American men have been charged with robbing at gunpoint a series of eight convenience stores across Southern California earlier this year.
Jesus Soto-Parada, 26, of El Salvador and Daniel Pavon, 20, of Honduras each face eight counts of robbery, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release.
While both men are foreign nationals, Soto-Parada lived in South Los Angeles after he was deported and returned to the U.S. to continue the robbery spree, the DOJ said, and Pavon lived in Gardena.
According to prosecutors, Soto-Parada, Pavon and co-conspirators robbed convenience stores in and their co-conspirators targeted stores in Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Pomona, Newport Beach, Agoura Hills and Gardena beginning in January.
“The group reportedly stole approximately $13,950 in cash and $7,415 in merchandise,” the release added.
On June 13, Soto-Parada and Pavon were arrested after a traffic stop, during which officers found evidence tying them to the robberies, including cash, blue medical face masks similar to those worn by the bandits, a black replica semi-automatic handgun and black hoodies, the DOJ said.
They were also identified by the clerk of the Gardena store.
“These defendants’ alleged violent crime spree has now earned them federal criminal charges carrying major potential prison time,” United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in the release. “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.”
Soto-Parada’s trial is set to begin on Sept. 24, while Pavon, who is in state custody, is awaiting a transfer to federal custody to face those charges.
If convicted, the men could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison on each robbery count.