On a regular sunny afternoon in Moorpark, the mundane routine was disrupted by a dose of vigilance and law enforcement diligence. Juan Molano and Edgar Hernandez were caught by Moorpark police detectives on charges of grand theft conspiracy, possession of stolen items, and possession of burglary tools, according to a news release from the department. The arrest occurred on July 2, 2025, when a concerned individual reported suspicious activity after withdrawing a large sum of cash from a local bank.
The suspects, 24-year-old Molano from Passaic, NJ, and 33-year-old Hernandez from Tampa, FL, appeared to have developed a routine at local banks, looking for people who emerged with envelopes labeled “bounty”—if “their aim was to be read from afar. This incident was not isolated. Moorpark cops linked them to a series of “distraction-style” thefts that occurred around Southern California, taking advantage of the window of opportunity from teller to destination.
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While the victim’s swift action initiated this case, what followed was a cross-city teamwork. “Moorpark patrol deputies and detectives, along with the assistance of the Simi Valley Police Department, conducted an investigation and established probable cause to arrest both Molano and Hernandez,” according to the report. These individuals were arrested on a $150,000 bond each thanks to a watchful community member and a well-coordinated police effort, and their arraignment is planned for today, July 7, 2025.
The shadow of “bank jugging” often hangs over law-abiding citizens, unbeknownst to them. This crime technique occurs when suspects follow individuals from banks or ATMs with the intention of stealing the extracted cash subtly or, if necessary, less subtly. It serves as a reminder that swiveling our heads, discreetly pocketing cash, and avoiding routine paths may be our best defense against becoming another statistic. As the Moorpark Police Department advised, “Trust your instincts.” If something seems odd, leave the place and call 911.” The chant is universal, a call to awareness and vigilance, branded with urgency.
The emphasis is not only on these events but also on developing a safer community fabric. The department’s outreach includes sharing safety suggestions such as remaining mindful of your surroundings when exiting a bank and avoiding large cash transactions. And for people who value their anonymity but want to help fight such crimes, Ventura County Crime Stoppers provides a payout of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. They tell you that no trace of your call will be recorded, in case the particular twang in your voice or the tempo of your breath reveals you. For additional information, concerns, or a sense of unease, contact the Moorpark Police Department at (805) 532-2700.
