South American nationals charged in $1 million watch robbery at Beverly Wilshire Hotel

LOS ANGELES, California — Two South American nationals have been charged in connection with the armed robbery of a $1 million watch, according to a federal complaint.

Jamer Mauricio Sepulveda Salazar, 21, of Colombia, faces charges of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Jesus Eduardo Padron Rojas, 19, of Venezuela, is charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. Both suspects are currently in custody and made their initial court appearances today. Sepulveda's arraignment is scheduled for September 3, and Padron's for September 19, both in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

According to the complaint affidavit, on August 7, the victim was sitting with his wife and two daughters on the patio of a restaurant at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel when Suspect 1 allegedly approached and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim. Suspect 1 reportedly pulled back the slide of the handgun, chambering a round. While Suspect 1 held the victim at gunpoint, Suspect 2 allegedly approached and removed a silver Patek Philippe watch, estimated to be worth $1 million, from the victim's wrist. Both suspects then fled the scene and eventually entered a blue Toyota Corolla, where Sepulveda allegedly served as the getaway driver.

On August 10, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an Airbnb where the South American theft group had allegedly been staying. Security camera footage showed the group leaving the night before. During the search, officers found a handgun in a bedroom, which was registered to former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner, known for committing a series of murders before dying in a dramatic standoff in 2013. Later that day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Equinox and reportedly identified Sepulveda and Padron inside the vehicle. The Equinox was allegedly linked to another armed robbery in Beverly Hills on August 5, during which a $30,000 Rolex was stolen.

“We will not accept violent crime perpetrated by organized crime groups that exploit the freedoms of our country,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our number one mission is to protect our community and those who undermine public safety will be held accountable. We should all be grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending these suspects before they could cause more harm.”

Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions, and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.

A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.