Los Angeles, California, December 31, 2025

Jesus Soto-Parada, a 26-year-old from El Salvador, has pleaded guilty to federal charges after a series of armed robberies across Southern California. Targeting convenience and liquor stores, Soto-Parada and his accomplice allegedly stole approximately $20,000 before being apprehended in June 2024. Despite previous deportation, he illegally re-entered the U.S. and now faces a potential sentence of 160 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 2026. This case highlights ongoing issues of deportation and public safety in the region.

Los Angeles, California

Series of Armed Robberies in Southern California Leads to Guilty Plea

Jesus Soto-Parada, a 26-year-old man from El Salvador, pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges related to a series of armed robberies targeting convenience and liquor stores across Southern California. Federal authorities stated that Soto-Parada was deported in April 2024 but illegally re-entered the United States to continue his criminal activities. He faces a maximum sentence of 160 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 5, 2026.

Details of the Robberies

Soto-Parada and his alleged accomplice, Daniel Pavon, 21, a Honduran national, engaged in a spree of armed robberies that spanned from January to June 2024. The robbers, often wearing blue surgical masks, reportedly brandished weapons to intimidate store clerks while the other ransacked stores for cash and merchandise. Together, they allegedly stole approximately $20,000 in cash and goods during these nine incidents, which primarily occurred in the Orange County area, as well as Gardena and South Los Angeles. Authorities apprehended Soto-Parada and Pavon in June 2024 after a robbery at a Gardena 7-Eleven. The use of stolen cash equipped with a tracking device led police to their location. Following their arrest, law enforcement officials discovered blue surgical masks and clothing that matched descriptions from earlier robberies, along with the tracking device. Soto-Parada later admitted to the robberies, while the store clerk identified both men as the perpetrators. Pavon remains in custody and is scheduled for trial on January 27, 2026.

Background on Soto-Parada

Born in El Salvador, Soto-Parada had previously been deported by U.S. Border Patrol agents in April 2024, following a routine traffic stop in Arizona. This marked the third attempt to deport him since 2016. Despite this deportation, he illegally re-entered the U.S. between April and June 2024 and reconnected with Pavon in South Los Angeles. Initially, Soto-Parada pleaded not guilty to eight counts of robbery and violations of the Hobbs Act, which prohibits hindering interstate commerce through robbery, bribery, or extortion. He now faces a maximum penalty of 160 years in federal prison, with sentencing set for April 5, 2026.

Legal Proceedings

In a federal court appearance in downtown Los Angeles on December 30, 2025, Soto-Parada pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce and seven counts of interfering with commerce via robbery. He admitted culpability through a Spanish interpreter, waiving his right to trial. He now awaits sentencing while Pavon is set to stand trial on January 27, 2026.

Related Cases

This case illustrates the ongoing challenges associated with deportation and illegal re-entry. Other similar cases have emerged, such as that of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man who was wrongfully deported in March 2025 and later returned to face charges in the U.S. These incidents highlight the complexities of immigration enforcement and the legal processes surrounding deportation and re-entry.

Impact on the Community

The string of robberies committed by Soto-Parada and Pavon has raised significant concerns about public safety within Southern California. Local businesses, particularly convenience and liquor stores, reported direct impacts from these crimes. Following the arrests, community members expressed relief, hoping for a decrease in similar incidents moving forward. Law enforcement agencies remain focused on monitoring and addressing related criminal activities to ensure a secure environment for both residents and local businesses.

Conclusion

The guilty plea from Jesus Soto-Parada marks a critical development in the response to the armed robberies that affected Southern California throughout 2024. The case not only sheds light on the broader dilemmas of deportation and illegal re-entry but also illustrates the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling such crimes. As legal proceedings move forward, the community stands hopeful for a safer atmosphere.

FAQ

Who is Jesus Soto-Parada?

Jesus Soto-Parada is a 26-year-old man from El Salvador who pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges related to a series of armed robberies targeting convenience and liquor stores across Southern California. Federal authorities stated that Soto-Parada was deported in April 2024 but illegally re-entered the United States to continue his criminal activities. He faces a maximum sentence of 160 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 5, 2026.

What were the details of the robberies?

Soto-Parada and his alleged accomplice, Daniel Pavon, 21, a Honduran national, were involved in a spree of armed robberies that took place between January and June 2024. The duo, often wearing blue surgical face masks, would brandish weapons to threaten store clerks while the other ransacked the business for cash and merchandise. They are accused of stealing a total of $20,000 in cash and goods during these incidents. The robberies occurred in the Orange County area, with nine incidents taking place between January and February 2024, and additional robberies in Gardena and South Los Angeles. In June 2024, authorities apprehended Soto-Parada and Pavon after a robbery at a Gardena 7-Eleven, where stolen cash with a tracking device led police to their location. During the arrest, officers found blue surgical masks, clothing matching descriptions from the robberies, and the tracking device in their vehicle. Soto-Parada admitted to the robberies, and the 7-Eleven clerk identified both men as the perpetrators. Pavon is currently in custody and scheduled for trial on January 27, 2026.

What is the background on Soto-Parada?

Soto-Parada, a native of El Salvador, was deported by U.S. Border Patrol agents in April 2024 after a routine traffic stop in Arizona. This was the third attempt to deport him since 2016. Despite the deportation, he illegally re-entered the United States between April and June 2024 and reunited with Pavon in South Los Angeles. Soto-Parada initially pleaded not guilty to eight counts of robbery and violations of the Hobbs Act, a federal law prohibiting the obstruction of interstate commerce through robbery, bribery, or extortion. He faces a maximum sentence of 160 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 5, 2026. Pavon is currently in custody and scheduled for trial on January 27, 2026.

What are the legal proceedings?

Soto-Parada appeared in federal court in downtown Los Angeles on December 30, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce and seven counts of interfering with commerce by robbery. With his head dipped and voice low, Soto-Parada pleaded “culpable” through a Spanish interpreter, forfeiting his right to a trial. He faces a maximum sentence of 160 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 5, 2026. Pavon is currently in custody and scheduled for trial on January 27, 2026.

What are related cases?

This case highlights ongoing challenges related to deportation and re-entry. Similar cases have occurred, such as that of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man who was wrongfully deported in March 2025 and later returned to the U.S. to face charges. These incidents underscore the complexities of immigration enforcement and the legal processes involved in deportation and re-entry cases.

What is the impact on the community?

The series of robberies committed by Soto-Parada and Pavon have raised concerns about public safety in Southern California. Local businesses, particularly convenience and liquor stores, have been directly affected by these crimes. The community has expressed relief following the arrests and guilty pleas, hoping for a reduction in such incidents in the future. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and address similar criminal activities to ensure the safety and security of residents and businesses in the region.

What is the conclusion?

The guilty plea of Jesus Soto-Parada serves as a significant development in addressing the series of armed robberies that plagued Southern California in 2024. The case also brings attention to the broader issues of deportation, illegal re-entry, and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing and prosecuting such crimes. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains vigilant and hopeful for a safer environment.

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