Three defendants recently appeared in federal court on charges related to a robbery that took place in Miami's Design District. The indictment accuses Ildemar Jose Chirinos-Torres, Briann Ricardo Hernandez-Castillo, Larry Junior Mendez-Ruiz, Alejandro Moises, and Raynner Jorland Pacheco-Sandoval of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
The indictment details an incident from December 15, 2023. The defendants allegedly drove through the Miami Design District looking for wealthy targets. According to the allegations, Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo were seen on surveillance robbing a tourist at gunpoint for a watch valued up to $100,000. During their escape, undercover detectives followed them in unmarked vehicles. Chirinos-Torres reportedly fired shots at one detective who was not injured. Pacheco-Sandoval is accused of serving as a lookout while Mendez-Ruiz picked up Chirinos-Torres and Hernandez-Castillo after they abandoned their vehicle.
Defendants Mendez-Ruiz, Moises, and Pacheco-Sandoval have been detained pending trial. Their co-defendants are yet to appear in court.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe announced these developments alongside Special Agent Christopher A. Robinson of the ATF's Miami Field Division; Chief Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department; and Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department.
The case is being investigated by the ATF and City of Miami Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorney Altanese Phenelus prosecuting.
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce gun violence through community collaboration and strategic enforcement priorities as outlined by the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy launched on May 26, 2021.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods or related court documents under case number 24-cr-20405, visit Justice.gov/PSN or www.flsd.uscourts.gov.