Three residents of Southern California have been federally charged for their alleged participation in a series of armed robberies, which ended in a fatal car crash while fleeing from the police.
Defendants Kaelenn Maea, 26, Salagi Iakopo, 30, and Mathew Salanoa, 23, are facing charges including Hobbs Act robbery and using and carrying a firearm, During the alleged crimes, they reportedly used firearms to rob a liquor store, gas station, and convenience store, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California press release.
The defendants, between September 22 and 29, are accused of executing three armed robberies in Southern California. During these crimes, a firearm was used to intimidate cashiers and customers while an accomplice stole cash. They then fled the scene in an SUV, as per the criminal complaint.
It is claimed that the defendants robbed a gas station in Compton on September 27. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Salanoa examining the location prior to the crime. Iakopo is supposed to have unplugged the cash register, while Maea pointed a gun at the cashier and customers, ensuring they could not give chase. They absconded with an estimated $1,500 from the cash register, as reported.
On September 29, South El Monte convenience store robbers targeted Maea and Iakopo's alleged involvement. The defendants reportedly stole between $350 and $400 and then fled in a stolen Range Rover.
On October 9, a chance encounter by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies with the stolen vehicle led to a fatal accident as the robbers attempted to evade law enforcement. A nearby trash can was Iakopo's chosen hiding spot, and clothing linked to Maea was found in a small crawlspace under a nearby house, as detailed in the affidavit.
As the legal process unfolds, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, each could face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the Hobbs Act robbery count and a life sentence for the firearms count.
