Three residents from San Gabriel Valley and one from San Bernardino County have been convicted for their roles in an armed robbery and carjacking at a car repair shop in Bloomington. The Justice Department announced the verdict following a 13-day trial where the jury found all defendants guilty on multiple counts.
The individuals convicted are Marcos Guerrero, 49, of Glendora; Elijah Gafare, 35, of West Covina; Cinthia Leal, 39, of Glendora; and Vincent Solarez, 58, of Upland. Each was found guilty of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), Hobbs Act robbery, and carjacking.
In addition to these charges, Guerrero, Gafare, and Leal were also found guilty of witness tampering and using firearms during a crime of violence. Guerrero faced further charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally commented on the case stating that "violent crime tears at the fabric of our communities" and emphasized the importance of punishing those who use guns to harm others.
The court heard evidence detailing how the four participated in an armed robbery at the repair shop on March 12, 2024. During this incident, firearms were brandished by two defendants while another assaulted a victim with a pistol. The victims were held hostage under threats until they handed over cash and property including their vehicle.
Following investigations by law enforcement agencies including the FBI Inland Violent Crimes Suppression Task Force and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, arrests were made in May and June 2024.
Guerrero was additionally charged after being found illegally possessing a .45-caliber firearm along with ammunition due to his prior convictions which include home invasion robbery among other crimes.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 21 where Guerrero, Gafare, and Leal face sentences ranging from seven years to life imprisonment. Solarez could receive up to 65 years in federal prison.
The prosecution team comprises Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua J. Lee and Neil P. Thakor from the General Crimes Section alongside Tritia L. Yuen from the Riverside Branch Office.