Chilean National Charged in Jewelry Store Burglary Conspiracy, Accused of Possessing Stolen Watch

Defendant allegedly traveled across state lines with stolen property, faces up to 10 years if convicted.

NEWARK, NJ – A Chilean man believed to be connected to a South American theft ring stands accused of conspiring to burglarize a New Jersey jewelry store and then possessing the stolen merchandise across state lines, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Gustavo Ignacio Salas Ortega, 33, faces one count of conspiracy to receive stolen property that crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that crossed state lines.

Salas Ortega was apprehended by ICE ERO Newark in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, on October 14, 2024, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark on February 4, 2025, where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

Alleged Burglary Scheme

According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant was part of a group that cased a jewelry store located in a New Jersey mall before carrying out the burglary. Members of the crew allegedly accessed the jewelry store through the ceiling and cut through an adjacent wall to gain entry. In the aftermath, law enforcement discovered that Salas Ortega was wearing an expensive wristwatch believed to have been taken during the heist. Additional investigation indicates he possessed the stolen watch on multiple occasions in New York, well after the burglary took place.

If convicted:

• Conspiracy to Sell or Receive Stolen Property: Up to 5 years in prison
• Receipt of Stolen Property: Up to 10 years in prison
• Both charges may also incur fines of up to $250,000 or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater.

As with all criminal complaints, the charges are allegations only, and Salas Ortega is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.