A Chilean national has been charged with conspiracy and possession of stolen property following a burglary at a jewelry store in New Jersey. Gustavo Ignacio Salas Ortega, 33, is alleged to be part of a South American theft group targeting businesses across the United States. The charges were announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
Salas Ortega faces one count of conspiracy to receive stolen property that crossed state lines and another count for receiving such property. He was arrested on October 14, 2024, in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.
"Sophisticated and highly organized burglars that allegedly target businesses do great damage and put the public at risk," said Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna. "This office is committed to finding the perpetrators of these crimes and preventing them from continuing to harm our businesses."
The FBI-Newark's Joint Organized Crime Task Force has been investigating the case. Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly noted that these groups have been targeting stores nationwide for months: "These alleged criminals are part of South American theft groups who have been targeting stores throughout the United States for months."
John Tsoukaris, ICE ERO Newark Field Office Director, emphasized their commitment to community safety: "As alleged, the illegal alien offender threatened the public safety of our community by participating in an organized theft group."
Millburn Police Chief Gilfedder highlighted inter-agency cooperation as key in solving complex crimes: "We are incredibly proud of the tireless efforts of our detectives and the collaborative work with federal agencies that led to the identification of these suspects."
Salas Ortega appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen on February 4, 2025, where he was detained.
According to court documents, Salas Ortega was involved in scouting a jewelry store before entering through a ceiling and cutting through an adjacent wall during the burglary. Law enforcement later found him with an expensive wristwatch from the store.
If convicted, Salas Ortega faces up to five years for conspiracy and ten years for receiving stolen property; both charges also carry fines up to $250,000 or twice the offense amount.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited several law enforcement agencies including FBI Newark’s JOCTF under Terence G. Reilly; ICE ERO Newark under John Tsoukaris; Millburn Police Department under Chief Brian Gilfedder; among others involved in leading investigations resulting in charges against Salas Ortega.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth from Newark’s Narcotics/OCDETF Unit while Mary Toscano serves as defense counsel for Salas Ortega.
All charges are accusations until proven guilty as per legal standards ensuring presumption innocence remains intact until otherwise demonstrated through judicial process.