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2 charged in $14,000 Thousand Oaks 'bank jugging' theft

By
FOX 11
Ventura County
Published July 15, 2026 9:51 AM PDT
Published July 15, 2026 9:51 AM PDT

The Brief

    • Two Los Angeles County men have charged with felony grand theft following a $14,000 "bank jugging" incident in Thousand Oaks.
    • The suspects allegedly tracked a victim from a local bank before breaking into their parked vehicle to steal the cash.
    • Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and a court hearing is scheduled for later this month to determine the next steps.

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - Two Los Angeles County men are facing felony grand theft charges after allegedly targeting a bank customer in Thousand Oaks and stealing $14,000 in cash from their vehicle. 

The incident marks the fourth "bank jugging" case filed in Ventura County over the last four months.

What we know:

Francisco Javier Nieto Mosquera, 45, and Ricardo De Jesus Melendez Rodriguez, 37, have both been charged with one felony count of grand theft, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. 

The charges include three aggravating factors: inducing another to participate, demonstrating planning, sophistication, or professionalism, and involving an actual taking of great monetary value.

According to officials, on June 3, the pair allegedly targeted a victim who withdrew approximately $14,000 from a bank near Janss Road and Moorpark Road. 

Prosecutors say they followed the victim to a convenience store in the 1000 block of East Avenida De Los Arboles. 

While one defendant acted as a lookout, the other forcibly entered the victim's parked vehicle and took the cash after the victim went inside the store. 

Investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office located and arrested both suspects in San Dimas on July 9, 2026. 

Both men pleaded not guilty at their arraignments and remain in custody on $10,000 bail.

What we don't know:

The official reports have not specified which of the two defendants allegedly acted as the lookout and which one forcibly entered the vehicle. It's unknown if the stolen $14,000 has been recovered by law enforcement.

What they're saying:

"This is now the fourth bank jugging case we've received in four months, and it's clear these brazen crimes are becoming an increasingly common tactic used by organized thieves," District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. "We want the public to stay aware of their surroundings, never leave cash unattended in vehicles, and call law enforcement immediately if you believe someone is following you."

What's next:

The defendants are scheduled to appear in court for an early disposition hearing on July 24.

What you can do:

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office encourages the public to protect themselves against bank jugging by taking the following precautions:

  • Hide cash immediately after completing a transaction by placing it in a purse, bag, or pocket.
  • Never leave cash or valuables inside an unattended vehicle, even if the vehicle is locked.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings when entering and leaving financial institutions.
  • Be alert for anyone loitering near a bank or appearing to monitor customers.
  • If you suspect you are being followed, call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
  • Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement without hesitation.

The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

Ventura CountyCrime and Public SafetyThousand Oaks