VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four members of a sophisticated burglary crew have pled guilty to charges stemming from a coordinated commercial burglary that occurred on May 25, 2025, at 5-Star Jewelry and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop in Simi Valley, resulting in losses exceeding $2 million.
Manuel David Ibarra, Sergio Andres Mejía-Machuca, Camilo Antonio Aguilar Lara, each pled guilty in Ventura County Superior Court to felony counts of conspiracy to commit commercial burglary and possession of stolen property. Ibarra and Machuca also pled guilty to conspiracy to commit commercial burglary and felony vandalism in connection with a burglary that occurred on May 23, 2025, at Simi Valley Pawn Brokers. Trujillo pled guilty to a single count of conspiracy to possess stolen property for her role in the heist.
All four defendants also admitted special allegations, including excessive loss exceeding $1 million and theft or damage committed in concert with others. These enhancements were charged under voter-approved Proposition 36. In addition, the defendants admitted the aggravating factor that the manner in which the crimes were carried out demonstrated planning, sophistication, and professionalism.
“This was not a crime of opportunity,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “These defendants planned carefully, conducted surveillance, and used specialized tools and techniques to carry out a highly sophisticated burglary that caused enormous financial harm. Their guilty pleas ensure accountability and reflect the strength of the evidence in this case.”
The investigation revealed that beginning in mid-May 2025, the defendants orchestrated a coordinated burglary conspiracy targeting 5-Star Jewelry. On May 16, one defendant drove another to a Home Depot, where rope was stolen for use in the crime. On May 20, three defendants traveled in a white Volvo SUV to the shopping center housing both businesses. During that visit, two defendants conducted surveillance by observing the interior of the jewelry store through its front window, while all three entered Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop to assess surveillance cameras and inspect the shared walls between the businesses. One suspect used a cell phone flashlight to examine the walls, another acted as a lookout, and a third allegedly mimicked the use of a spray can, indicating plans to disable security measures.
On May 25, the defendants returned to the location in the same Volvo SUV, which contained a ladder and rope. One defendant placed the ladder against the exterior of Dr. Conkey’s and cut through the roof to gain entry. Once inside, a surveillance camera was spray-painted, and the store’s safe was accessed and cash stolen. The defendants then cut through a shared wall into 5- Star Jewelry, where they broke into a safe and stole jewelry, cash, and silver. The stolen property was later transported to a residence in Los Angeles County.
The investigation was conducted by the Simi Valley Police Department.
All four defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. All remain in custody on $100,000 bail and face more than four years in custody.
Case: 2025014450
Defendant Information:
Manuel David Ibarra (DOB 09/17/87)
Sergio Andres Meji-Machuca (DOB 06/07/98)
Camilo Antonio Aguliar Lara (DOB 11/08/93)
Heidy Nickolt Trujillo (DOB 06/26/99)
Charges pled guilty to:
• PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy to commit a crime
• PC 594(b)(1) – Vandalism over $400 Special allegations admitted:
• PC 12022.6(a)(4) – Excessive loss over $1 million
• PC 12022.65(a) – Theft or damage in concert • CRC 4.421(a)(8) - The manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism
Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: [email protected]
