U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe | U.S. Department of Justice
Three defendants appeared in federal court on December 6, facing charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on December 15, 2023, five Venezuelan nationals targeted the Miami Design District to rob wealthy individuals.
The accused, Ildemar Jose Chirinos-Torres, Briann Ricardo Hernandez-Castillo, Larry Junior Mendez-Ruiz, Alejandro Moises, and Raynner Jorland Pacheco-Sandoval, reportedly used three vehicles in their operation. Surveillance footage captured Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo robbing a tourist at gunpoint for a high-end watch valued at up to $100,000. During their escape, Chirinos-Torres allegedly fired multiple shots at an undercover detective who was not injured.
Mendez-Ruiz is said to have picked up Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo after they abandoned the getaway vehicle driven by Moises. Meanwhile, Pacheco-Sandoval acted as a lookout for potential victims wearing expensive jewelry. Some defendants reportedly traveled across state lines to execute the robbery.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida announced the case alongside Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department, and Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and City of Miami Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorney Altanese Phenelus prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. For more information about PSN or related court documents under case number 24-cr-20405 can be found on www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
