A Long Beach man involved in the fatal armed robbery of a marijuana dealer in Inglewood has entered a guilty plea to federal charges, confirming his role in the March 2021 incident. Mateo Paul, aged 22, has been in federal custody since November 2023 and pled guilty to charges that include interference with commerce by robbery, known as the Hobbs Act, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
According to details disclosed in the plea agreement, Paul, alongside co-defendants Leandrew Raglin of Lancaster, and Iysis Elanore Smith of Inglewood, both 22, conspired to rob the dealer at gunpoint, using a social media application to arrange a meeting. They intended to then forcefully take the dealer's marijuana. When the interaction turned deadly, Paul was positioned as the getaway driver, a role to which he has now admitted. "This defendant’s recklessness led to a victim’s violent death and the prospect of a life sentence in federal prison," said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally, emphasizing the cooperation between local and federal law enforcement in bringing about the severe consequences for the crime.
Further information from the plea agreement detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office reveals that Smith engaged the victim at the meeting place. During this distraction, Paul and Raglin parked behind the victim's vehicle, culminating in Raglin firing multiple shots at the victim. This fatal sequence was acknowledged as falling within the scope of Paul's criminal agreement.
With sentencing set for June 27, Paul faces a maximum life sentence in prison. His co-defendant Raglin, who has pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for a trial on May 19. Charges against Smith are still awaiting resolution.
Acting as the lead investigators in this case, the FBI and the Inglewood Police Department's collaboration showcases the persistent judicial work invested in prosecuting violent offenses. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell and Gregg E. Marmaro are in charge of the prosecution.
