Fontana authorities have arrested four men believed to be part of a South American organized crime group following an investigation into a carjacking and related thefts across Southern California, officials said.
The case began on Oct. 11, when a woman withdrew $80,000 in cash from a bank in Fontana. Investigators say the victim was followed to a secondary location in the city, where her car was stolen and money was stolen.
Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Fontana Station, working closely with the Fontana Police Department, identified four suspects: Braham Joel Avila Gomez, 28; Eddie Bogota Garzon, 42; Claudio Fernando Mina, 44 years old; and Jose Fernando Pinto Ramirez (32 years old).
Authorities said the suspects were members of a South American robbery group that specialized in organized crime. During the investigation, law enforcement observed the group conducting physical and electronic surveillance of potential victims and using counter-surveillance techniques to avoid detection.
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Eddie Bogotá Garzon, 42, a Colombian national, is charged in connection with organized robbery and robbery activities throughout the region. (Spsd) -
Claudio Fernando Mena, 44, a Colombian national, faces charges for his alleged role in a South American theft group operating in California. (Spsd) -
Jose Fernando Pinto Ramirez, 32, a Colombian national, was arrested for his involvement in a coordinated car burglary and theft conspiracy. (Spsd)
On November 6, search warrants were served at the suspects’ residences, which resulted in evidence linking them to the Fontana carjacking and conspiracy to commit additional crimes, including residential burglaries. All four were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. The San Bernardino County Police Department urges anyone with information about related crimes to contact the Fontana Police Station at (909) 356-6767. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or submit tips connected.