Fact Check: Suspects stole 24 bags of jewellery while drivers were distracted at a rest stop.

Fact Check: "Suspects stole 24 bags of jewellery while drivers were distracted at a rest stop."

What We Know

On July 10, 2022, a group of suspects allegedly tracked a Brinks semitruck transporting approximately $100 million worth of jewelry from an international jewelry show in San Mateo, California. The truck was followed for about 300 miles to a rest stop in Lebec, California, where the suspects stole 24 bags of jewelry while the truck was stopped (source-1, source-2). The stolen items included gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and luxury watches, making this incident one of the largest jewelry heists in U.S. history (source-1, source-6).

The indictment returned on June 11, 2025, charges seven individuals with conspiracy to commit theft and theft from interstate and foreign shipment, among other charges (source-1, source-3). Some reports indicate that while some suspects distracted the driver at a store, others executed the theft (source-5).

Analysis

The claim that suspects stole 24 bags of jewelry while drivers were distracted at a rest stop is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. Attorney's Office has confirmed the details of the heist, including the method of distraction and the location of the theft (source-2, source-4). The incident is characterized as the largest jewelry theft in U.S. history, which adds to its significance and the reliability of the reporting surrounding it.

The sources used in this analysis are reputable news outlets and official government statements. The information has been corroborated across various platforms, including NBC, BBC, and the U.S. Department of Justice (source-1, source-6). The consistency in reporting across these sources lends credibility to the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that suspects stole 24 bags of jewelry while drivers were distracted at a rest stop is True. The details of the heist, including the method of distraction and the location of the theft, have been confirmed by multiple reliable sources, including federal indictments and news reports.

Sources

1. Two Southern California Men Arrested on Charges ...
2. Suspects charged in $100M Brinks truck jewel heist at LA ...
3. Feds charge 7 men in connection to $100M jewelry heist ...
4. 7 suspects identified in $100M jewelry heist that is thought ...
5. Largest jewelry heist in U.S. history: 7 indicted in massive ...
6. 7 suspects identified in a $100M jewelry heist near Los ...