A Chilean national has been charged with conspiracy and possession of stolen property following a burglary at a jewelry store in New Jersey. Gustavo Ignacio Salas Ortega, 33, is accused of being part of a South American theft group involved in the crime. The charges include one count of conspiracy to receive stolen property that crossed state lines and one count of receiving such property.
Salas Ortega was apprehended by ICE ERO Newark on October 14, 2024, in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna stated that "sophisticated and highly organized burglars" target businesses, causing significant damage and risking public safety. Khanna emphasized the commitment to prevent further harm to businesses.
The FBI-Newark's Joint Organized Crime Task Force has been instrumental in tracking these alleged criminals across multiple states. Terence G. Reilly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, noted that this charge represents progress in dismantling the theft group.
John Tsoukaris, ICE ERO Newark Field Office Director, highlighted the threat posed by Salas Ortega's involvement in an organized theft group to community safety. Millburn Police Chief Gilfedder praised the collaborative efforts leading to suspect identification and stressed ongoing commitment to justice and safety.
Salas Ortega appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen on February 4, 2025, where he was detained pending further proceedings.
Court documents reveal that Salas Ortega's group scouted a jewelry store before executing the burglary through the ceiling and an adjacent wall hole. Law enforcement discovered him wearing a wristwatch from the store post-burglary; investigations confirmed his possession of it in New York on several occasions afterward.
The charges carry maximum penalties of five years for conspiracy and ten years for receipt of stolen property, along with potential fines up to $250,000 or double the offense amount.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited various law enforcement agencies for their roles in the investigation leading to these charges.
The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth from Newark's Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
It is important to note that all allegations are accusations at this stage; Salas Ortega remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Salas Ortega is Mary Toscano from Roseland, New Jersey.
