Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
SAN DIEGO – Brandon Ivan Padilla of San Marcos pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he committed three carjackings and robbed a business, all while menacing his victims with a firearm. Padilla admitted that on November 21, 2024, he pointed a gun at a clerk at American Smoke Shop in Escondido and demanded cash. The clerk gave Padilla $320. Padilla also admitted that he demanded a smoke shop customer’s car keys and cash while holding the gun inches from the customer’s ear. The customer handed over the keys; Padilla drove away in the person’s vehicle.