DATE/TIME: November 6, 2025 / 3:42 p.m.
INCIDENT: Grand Theft
LOCATION: Various Locations Throughout Southern California (possibly nationwide)
VICTIM: Adult Female
SUSPECT 1: Braham Jul Avila Gomez, a 28-year-old Colombian National
SUSPECT 2: Eddy Bogota Garzon, a 42-year-old Columbian National
SUSEPCT 3: Claudio Fernando Mena, a 44-year-old Columbian National
SUSPECT 4: Jose Fernando Pinto Ramirez, a 32-year-old Columbian National
SUMMARY:
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the victim made an $80,000 cash withdrawal from a bank, in Fontana. The victim was followed from the bank to a secondary location in Fontana where her car was burglarized, and the money stolen.
Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Fontana Station worked closely with the Fontana Police Department who were investigating related cases. The subsequent investigation identified four suspects who are members of a South American Theft Group that specializes in organized crime. The suspects were monitored through physical and electronic surveillance techniques.
During the surveillances, the suspects were observed watching and following potential victims, as well as conducting counter surveillance techniques in order to avoid detection from law enforcement.
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, multiple search warrants were served at the suspects’ residences which garnered evidence linking them to the original burglary, as well as evidence related to the conspiracy to commit other burglaries, including residential burglaries. All four suspects were arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center.
The South American Theft Group utilized sophisticated surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques and equipment to accomplish their thefts. Investigators believe there are more victims who have not yet reported the crimes and are asking for the public's help in identifying potential victims or crimes not yet reported.
The four suspects' photos are being released and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip website at wetip.com.
Refer: Detective D. Pedersen
Station: Fontana
Phone No. (909) 356-6767
Case No. 032502653
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
