Mother and Son Admit to $750,000 Armed Robbery of Gold Jewelry
Arrest and Plea
A Naples mother and her son, Julian Flores, 25, and Lourdes Diaz, 56, have admitted to their roles in a $750,000 armed robbery of gold jewelry from a Hialeah business owner. The two pleaded guilty in federal court to charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery under the Hobbs Act, and using a firearm during a violent crime.
The Robbery
The robbery occurred on September 16, 2023, when Diaz, driving a rented white SUV, parked the vehicle in a Hialeah commercial parking lot. Flores, wearing black clothing and a ski mask, exited the SUV armed with a gun and confronted the victim as they loaded a suitcase of gold jewelry into a car. Flores struck the victim multiple times with the gun during a struggle for the suitcase and fired a shot into the ground before seizing the jewelry and fleeing in the SUV driven by Diaz.
Arrests and Concealment
Flores was arrested on October 2, 2023, wearing some of the stolen jewelry. Diaz was arrested the next day and had concealed the remaining jewelry in a safe at the home of one of Flores’ associates, investigators said.
Sentencing
On Friday, a U.S. district judge accepted Diaz’s guilty plea. Flores entered his plea four days later. Both face a maximum sentence of life in prison, with sentencing dates yet to be scheduled.
Conclusion
The mother-son duo’s admission to the armed robbery of gold jewelry highlights the severity of the crime and the potential consequences for those involved. The investigation and subsequent arrests demonstrate the dedication of law enforcement to bringing perpetrators to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the charges against Julian Flores and Lourdes Diaz?
A: The two pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery under the Hobbs Act, and using a firearm during a violent crime.
Q: What was the value of the stolen gold jewelry?
A: The stolen jewelry was valued at $750,000.
Q: How were the two arrested?
A: Flores was arrested on October 2, 2023, wearing some of the stolen jewelry, and Diaz was arrested the next day.
Q: What is the maximum sentence they face?
A: Both face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
