Beverly Hills was no paradise for two Brazilian visitors earlier this month. Jobson Marangoni De Castro, 35, is behind bars after allegedly swiping over $1.8 million in jewelry and valuables from their hotel room. The feds say De Castro wasn’t after a tan; he was after a payday, and he nearly pulled it off.
The victims, who traveled to Beverly Hills for a fashion event, returned to their room on May 10th to find six suitcases – packed with expensive jewelry, clothing, and accessories – vanished. The loss immediately triggered an investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department and quickly drew the attention of federal prosecutors.
According to court documents, De Castro used a calculated ruse to gain access to the room. He reportedly convinced a hotel employee to hand over a key, then waited for the victims to leave for dinner. It was a brazen act, executed with cold precision. The feds allege he made a quick getaway with the stolen goods, thinking he’d gotten away clean.
He didn’t. The trail led to Miami, where De Castro attempted to sell a diamond necklace and a luxury watch via Instagram. He spun a flimsy story about inheriting the items from his late mother, conveniently omitting the fact they were lifted from a hotel room in California. The buyer, however, recognized the description matched the stolen property.
The buyer alerted authorities, and De Castro was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport this week. He’s now facing charges of interstate transportation of stolen property, a federal offense carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence. The feds are building a solid case, and De Castro’s days of easy money appear to be over.
Federal prosecutors are now working to recover the stolen items and return them to the victims. While the financial loss is significant, the emotional toll on the travelers is immeasurable. This case serves as a stark reminder that even in the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills, crime lurks beneath the surface.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI and Beverly Hills Police Department continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Ciaran McEvoy at ciaran.mcevoy@usdoj.gov or (213) 894-4465.
De Castro’s next court appearance is pending. He’s currently being held without bail, facing a future that looks considerably less luxurious than the hotel he targeted.
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Key Facts
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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