Ventura County Burglary Crew Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Jewelry Heist

Three of the four members of the sophisticated crew received prison time for the 2025 break-in at a Simi Valley jewelry store and coffee shop.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Three members of a 'sophisticated burglary crew' that carried out a multi-million dollar heist at a Simi Valley jewelry store and coffee shop in 2025 were sentenced to prison last week. The crew broke through the wall between the two businesses, stealing over $2 million in cash and merchandise. All four members of the crew, who are Chilean nationals with alleged ties to a South American theft group, were arrested just two weeks after the crime and have now pleaded guilty to various charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of organized, professional theft crews targeting small businesses in California. The level of planning and execution involved in this heist demonstrates the threat these groups pose to local retailers and the need for increased security measures and law enforcement efforts to combat such sophisticated criminal operations.

The details

The heist occurred on May 25, 2025 at 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair and Dr. Conkey's Candy and Coffee Shop in a Simi Valley strip mall. The crew drilled through the wall between the two businesses, gaining entry by climbing through the roof over a bathroom and breaking in through the back door. They stole over $2 million in cash and merchandise from the jewelry store. The owners said the crew 'must've cased us' and were 'professional thieves' with a clear plan.

  • The heist took place on May 25, 2025.
  • The four suspects were arrested just two weeks later.

The players

Manuel David Ibarra

One of the four members of the burglary crew, sentenced to four years and four months in jail.

Camilo Antonio Aguilar Lara

One of the four members of the burglary crew, sentenced to four years and four months in jail.

Heidi Trujillo

One of the four members of the burglary crew, sentenced to four years in jail.

Sergio Andres Mejia-Machuca

The fourth member of the burglary crew, with his sentencing continued to March 26.

Jonathan Youssef

The owner of 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair, one of the targeted businesses.

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What they’re saying

“These guys were professional thieves. They had a plan; they must've cased us.”

— Jonathan Youssef, Owner, 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair (cbsnews.com)

“These were not teenagers burglarizing a local business to score quick cash. Rather, they were sophisticated and skilled professionals who used counter-surveillance measures, a collapsible ladder, rope, and power tools to cut through a roof, tunnel through a wall, breach a safe – to take millions in watches, jewelry, cash and other merchandise.”

— Erik Nasarenko, Ventura County District Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The fourth member of the crew, Sergio Andres Mejia-Machuca, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of organized, professional theft crews targeting small businesses in California. It underscores the need for increased security measures and law enforcement efforts to combat such sophisticated criminal operations that can cause significant financial damage to local retailers.