South L.A. Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Series of Armed Carjackings in Los Angeles County
On July 31, 2024, Sergio Macias, also known as “Checho,” was arrested on a nine-count federal indictment for a series of armed carjackings in Los Angeles County. This arrest follows a three-week crime spree from November 15 to December 9, 2023, involving Macias and three other defendants: Michael Anthony Fisher (“Ghost”), Andres Silva Cerrillos (“Ruler”), and Jesse Gutierrez (“Lotto”). The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, attempted carjacking, interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), and firearms offenses.
Overview of the Charges
Conspiracy to Commit Carjacking
Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to commit a crime and take some action toward completing it. The indictment alleges that Macias, Fisher, Cerrillos, and Gutierrez planned and executed multiple carjackings from November 15 to December 9, 2023. They targeted car owners at gunpoint in Downey, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, and Whittier. Conviction under this statute can result in up to five years in federal prison.
Carjacking and Attempted Carjacking
Carjacking is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 2119 as taking a motor vehicle from another person by force, violence, or intimidation. Attempted carjacking involves making substantial steps toward this act but failing to complete it. The indictment specifies that the defendants carjacked or attempted to carjack multiple vehicles at gunpoint in the aforementioned locations. The statute provides a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, with enhancements if serious bodily injury or death occurs.
Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act)
The Hobbs Act, under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, criminalizes robbery and extortion that affect interstate or foreign commerce. On November 15, 2023, Cerrillos and Gutierrez allegedly stole two large-screen televisions from a Walmart store in South Gate and threatened a store employee with violence as they fled. This act of robbery, which disrupted the store’s business operations, falls under the Hobbs Act. Conviction under this statute can result in up to 20 years in prison.
Firearms Offenses
The use of firearms in these crimes leads to additional charges under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which imposes mandatory minimum sentences for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence. The defendants allegedly brandished firearms during the carjackings and the robbery, significantly increasing their potential prison time. This statute mandates a minimum of seven years for brandishing a firearm, which can run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
If convicted, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years. These penalties reflect the seriousness of the charges, particularly due to the use of firearms and the impact on victims and businesses. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
