A Colombian national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty on Mar. 31 to participating in a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American business owners in Oregon and Washington.
Jhon Alexander Quintero, also known as Edwin Andres Cadena-Pineda, admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods. According to court documents, Quintero and six co-conspirators traveled between states beginning in October 2025, staying at short-term rentals while identifying homes belonging to Asian American business owners for burglaries. The group used signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and coordinated communication during their crimes.
The investigation showed that the crew burglarized homes in Auburn, Washington; Gresham, Eugene, and Salem in Oregon over several days. Each victim was an Asian American business owner who was away working at their businesses when the burglaries occurred. Law enforcement began surveillance after becoming aware of the group’s activities between incidents in Eugene and Salem.
Following a burglary in Salem on October 9, detectives executed a search warrant at the suspects’ rental property in Eugene where they recovered money and property believed stolen from various residences as well as cell phones allegedly used by the crew. Authorities also found evidence of money wires sent to Bogota, Colombia; Colombian travel documents; and commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers charging after suspected use during that day’s crime. All seven individuals were detained after fleeing into nearby woods when officers arrived.
Quintero faces up to five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release with sentencing scheduled for June 30 before a U.S. district court judge. The case was investigated by federal agents along with police departments from Eugene, Salem, Auburn and Gresham.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon following roles such as Chief of the White Collar Unit according to the official website. The office maintains locations in Portland, Eugene and Medford according to its official website, employs 107 staff members according to its official website, operates under the Department of Justice among 93 such offices nationwide according to its official website, engages with communities across Oregon according to its official website, and aims “to pursue justice by representing the U.S. in civil and criminal matters while fostering trust in the federal judicial system” according to its official website.
