San Jose police bust alleged robbery, carjacking ring

Authorities say suspects lured at least 11 victims with fake Tinder account

SAN JOSE — San Jose police on Thursday announced the arrests of five people they say used a fake online dating profile to lure male victims that they then robbed and carjacked at gunpoint.

The alleged crimes occurred between March 16 and March 29 in San Jose, according to San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia.

Garcia said an investigation revealed that the suspects created a bogus Tinder account with user names of “Becky” and “Victoria.” They then used it to arrange dates with at least 11 victims, usually in the late evening hours on secluded streets near parks.

When the victim arrived, he was beaten, robbed and carjacked at gunpoint by several masked suspects, according to Garcia.

Garcia said a break in the case came when Detective Amanda Estantino re-canvassed the areas where the alleged crimes were reported and found surveillance camera footage of the suspects.

Patrol officers also arrested a suspect in one of the carjacked vehicles, according to Garcia.

“Detective Estantino, with the assistance of robbery detectives and other San Jose Police Department personnel, did a phenomenal job putting the case together and arresting the suspects,” Garcia said.

Police arrested a total of four adults and one 15-year-old boy, all of San Jose, in connection with the alleged crimes. The adults were identified as 19-year-old Bryan Gonzalez, 18-year-old Jonathan Jimenez, 18-year-old Lesly Portillo and 19-year-old Yadira Villarreal.

The adults were booked into Santa Clara County jail and the juvenile into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on multiple charges, including robbery, carjacking, auto theft and hit-and-run.

Anyone with information about the alleged crimes can contact Estantino at 408-277-4166.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.