A 20-year-old San Marcos man has admitted to a string of armed crimes in North County, pleading guilty yesterday to robbing a business in Escondido and to three separate carjackings. In court papers, he acknowledged using a handgun to force victims to hand over keys and cash during a brief spree that played out over several days. Prosecutors say no victim suffered serious physical injuries. He is set to return to federal court for sentencing on Aug. 7, and faces significant prison time on at least one of the counts.
According to Fox 5 San Diego, the defendant is 20-year-old Brandon Ivan Padilla. Investigators say Padilla told them he walked into the American Smoke Shop in Escondido, held a gun "inches from the customer's face" and demanded car keys and cash, with the clerk handing over $320. Fox 5 San Diego reports that court documents state he later robbed a second person at gunpoint and drove off in that victim's truck, then days later took another car and a phone at gunpoint. Those details are laid out in a plea agreement filed in federal court.
Details From Court Records And Local Records
Court filings cited by federal prosecutors say Padilla admitted he would not have caused serious harm or death if victims handed over their vehicles, and that one of the stolen cars would not start when he tried to drive away. The charges were brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California. State records back up the location details, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration lists an American Smoke Shop at 351 W. Mission Ave. in Escondido, the address cited by prosecutors.
Legal Stakes And Next Steps
Padilla pleaded guilty to robbing a business in Escondido and to three carjackings. For at least one of the counts, he could face a maximum penalty that includes life in prison, according to Fox 5 San Diego. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026, when the judge will weigh any recommendations from prosecutors along with the admissions in Padilla's plea agreement.
