A major international robbery group operating in South Florida has been fully brought to justice after the final member, Leroy Ortega, was sentenced to 57 months in prison. The case was part of “Operation Boujee Bandits”, an investigation into a Colombian transnational theft network responsible for a series of organized robberies.
The group included 11 members, all of whom have now been convicted and sentenced. Key individuals involved in the case include Allan Lucas, Diana Grisales Basto, Carlos Morales, Giovanni Cardenas, Andres Barahona Poveda, Edwin Castillo, Demian Gonzalez Contreras, Victor Fabian Valenzuela, Hernando Rodriguez Mahecha, and Mark Simon. Their prison sentences ranged from 57 months to 168 months.
The crimes took place between September 2019 and July 2021. During this time, the group targeted jewelry couriers and salespersons across South Florida. Authorities reported that total losses from these robberies exceeded $5 million.
The investigation was led by federal authorities, with announcements made by A. Tysen Duva and Jason A. Reding Quiñones. Prosecutors Lakeita F. Rox-Love, Kelly Pearson, and Brian Dobbins handled the case.
Authorities said the group carefully planned each robbery. They watched victims at jewelry exchange locations and followed them using rental vehicles obtained with fake identification documents. This helped them track targets without raising suspicion.
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How the Robberies Were Carried Out
The group used force and intimidation during the robberies. In some cases, they used threats or weapons to make victims comply quickly.
In one incident, the group mistakenly targeted a person who was not carrying jewelry. The victim was a professional photographer who had been working with jewelry. The group believed the equipment case contained valuables. They followed the person to a shopping center and attacked.
During the robbery, Allan Lucas pushed the victim while Leroy Ortega grabbed the case. The victim chased them, trying to recover the items. As the attackers tried to escape, Ortega reversed the vehicle, causing the victim to fall and suffer injuries.
In another incident, the group robbed a jewelry salesperson of items worth about $125,000. Leroy Ortega, along with Andres Barahona Poveda and Edwin Castillo, followed the victim to a business location. Ortega smashed the car windows while another member took a backpack filled with jewelry. When the victim tried to get out, Ortega held the door shut. The group escaped using a rented vehicle arranged by Carlos Morales.
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Investigation, Arrests, and Sentencing
Law enforcement agencies carried out a detailed investigation into the robbery network. The operation involved cooperation between federal investigators and several local police departments. Their efforts led to the arrest of all 11 members.
The case resulted in three indictments and additional charges related to robbery and money laundering. Each member was prosecuted and later convicted for their roles.
The final member sentenced, Leroy Ortega, admitted involvement in two robberies and pleaded guilty to robbery conspiracy and multiple robbery charges.
Sentences reflected the seriousness of the crimes. Allan Lucas received the longest term of 168 months. Others, including Giovanni Cardenas, Diana Grisales Basto, Demian Gonzalez Contreras, Victor Fabian Valenzuela, Hernando Rodriguez Mahecha, and Mark Simon, also received prison terms of several years.
Authorities highlighted that the group operated across borders, making it a transnational crime network. Their activities required coordination between multiple agencies, including international support from Colombia.
All members involved in the robbery network have now been sentenced, marking the end of a major investigation into organized theft targeting high-value jewelry in South Florida.
To read the original order please visit Department of Justice website