On July 2, 2025, detectives with the Moorpark Police Department arrested two individuals, Juan Molano and Edgar Hernandez, for their involvement in a conspiracy to commit Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

The suspects were observed loitering at a local bank in Moorpark, where they targeted a victim who withdrew a large sum of money. The victim became aware of the suspects following her from the bank back to her place of work. The victim promptly reported the suspicious activity to law enforcement. She provided a detailed description of the suspects’ vehicle, which was relayed to dispatch.

Acting on this information, Moorpark detectives located the suspects’ vehicle at another bank in the neighboring city of Simi Valley. 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.
Upon further investigation, Moorpark detectives discovered Molano and Hernandez were linked to a series of distraction-style thefts across Southern California, where they allegedly followed victims from financial institutions to their workplaces or other locations, then broke into their vehicles to steal money.

Both suspects are currently being held on $150,000 bail and are scheduled for arraignment on July 7, 2025.
The Moorpark Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office also aim to educate the public about this type of crime, often referred to as “bank jugging.” This term is used to describe a crime where suspects target individuals who withdraw cash from a bank or ATM. These suspects often loiter near financial institutions, observe potential victims withdraw large sums of cash, and then follow them to steal the money, either by breaking into their vehicles or confronting the victims directly.

How to Protect Yourself:
• Be discreet when handling cash in public. Avoid counting money outside the bank or ATM.
• Vary your routines when visiting banks or ATMs to avoid being predictable.
• Stay alert for anyone loitering nearby or following you after a transaction.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the area and call 911.
• Secure your cash immediately after withdrawing it and avoid leaving it unattended in your vehicle.
The Moorpark Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially when carrying large amounts of cash. If you notice suspicious individuals following you or others from a bank, immediately report it to law enforcement by calling 911.

Safety Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when leaving a bank.

• Avoid large cash withdrawals.

• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a safe location, such as a police station and call 911 immediately.

• Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your vehicle.

For further information, please contact the Moorpark Police Department at (805) 532-2700.

Prepared by: Detective Jon Nungester

News Release Date: 7/3/2025

Approved by: Captain Nick Odenath

Booking Photo Release: NO

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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).