Three residents of San Gabriel Valley and one from San Bernardino County have been convicted by a jury for their involvement in an armed robbery and carjacking at a car repair shop in Bloomington, as announced by the Justice Department. The incident took place last year.

Following a 13-day trial, a federal jury found Marcos Guerrero, 49, Elijah Gafare, 35, Cinthia Leal, 39, all from Glendora or West Covina, and Vincent Solarez, 58, of Upland guilty on multiple counts including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), Hobbs Act robbery, and carjacking.

Guerrero, Gafare, and Leal were also convicted of witness tampering and using firearms during the crime. Additionally, Guerrero was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Violent crime tears at the fabric of our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “The verdict reached in this case highlights our office’s ongoing efforts to root out and punish criminals who use guns to harm innocent people.”

During the early hours of March 12, 2024, Guerrero along with his accomplices conducted an armed robbery at the repair shop. Firearms were brandished by two defendants while another assaulted a victim until they were nearly unconscious. Hostages were taken during the ordeal where threats were made against their lives if demands for cash and property weren't met.

The group managed to steal several thousand dollars along with surveillance equipment before fleeing. They were apprehended by law enforcement in May and June of 2024.

Guerrero was discovered with a .45-caliber firearm on May 30th despite his prior convictions which prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. His criminal history includes charges such as home invasion robbery and evading police officers among others.

Sentencing is set for April 21 where Guerrero along with Gafare and Leal face potential life imprisonment with a minimum sentence requirement being seven years. Solarez could receive up to 65 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI Inland Violent Crimes Suppression Task Force alongside the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Prosecutors involved include Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua J. Lee and Neil P. Thakor from the General Crimes Section as well as Tritia L. Yuen from Riverside Branch Office.