VIDEO: Venezuelan Nationals Face Federal Charges in Violent Denver Heist

Four Venezuelan nationals were indicted for an armed robbery at a Denver jewelry store in June. They are facing federal charges after being apprehended in Texas and accused of stealing gold and jewelry.

DENVER, CO (3-minute read) — Four Venezuelan nationals have been indicted on federal charges in connection with a violent jewelry store robbery that occurred in Denver this past June. The United States Attorney for the District of Colorado announced the indictment, detailing that the suspects are facing multiple serious charges, including armed robbery and brandishing a firearm.

The suspects, identified as Oswaldo Lozada-Solis, 23; Jesus Daniel Lara Del Toro, 20; and Jean Franco Torres-Roman, 21, are being prosecuted for the armed robbery. A fourth individual, 18-year-old Edwuimar Nazareth Colina-Romero, faces separate charges for transporting and possessing stolen goods. All four individuals allegedly played key roles in the high-profile crime.

According to the indictment, on June 24, the group stormed into Joyeria El Ruby Jewelry Store, located on West 38th Avenue in Denver. Brandishing firearms, they physically assaulted several store employees before stealing a substantial amount of gold and jewelry. The robbery, carried out in broad daylight, caused significant distress to the victims and nearby businesses. The stolen items’ value has not been publicly disclosed, but the aggressive nature of the heist has drawn considerable attention from law enforcement.

An armed Venezuelan gang robbed Joyeria El Ruby Jewelry Store on West 38th Avenue in Denver, physically assaulting the women working there while the robbery was happening.

No one, the police included, are coming to save you. Plan accordingly….#CityLife #denver #enrichment… pic.twitter.com/UhLVLJ0KKU

— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) September 4, 2024

After fleeing the scene, the suspects managed to evade immediate capture and fled across state lines, eventually being tracked to the El Paso, Texas area. Their arrests were made possible due to the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Denver Field Division, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Denver, and the Denver Police Department. These agencies worked tirelessly to locate and apprehend the suspects, bringing a dangerous criminal operation to a halt.

The four individuals appeared in federal court this week in front of Magistrate Judge James P. O’Hara, marking the beginning of their legal proceedings. If convicted, the suspects face severe penalties, including potentially lengthy federal prison sentences due to the use of firearms during the commission of a violent crime. The charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is particularly significant, as federal law mandates substantial prison time for such offenses.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of firearm safety and responsible gun ownership. Firearms, when handled irresponsibly or placed in the wrong hands, can lead to devastating consequences. It is essential for individuals to take precautions to ensure firearms are stored securely and inaccessible to unauthorized users.

As the investigation progresses, authorities have emphasized the ongoing risk posed by organized theft rings that target businesses like jewelry stores. The Joyeria El Ruby robbery stands as a prime example of how violent criminals seek high-value targets, often using firearms to intimidate victims. While this group has been captured, law enforcement agencies across the country remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Safety Tip: Store firearms in a safe, secure location. Responsible gun ownership not only protects your home but also reduces the risk of firearms being stolen and used in violent crimes.