Couple Arrested for Armed Robberies at LA Weed Dispensaries

Gabriella Tovar and Jesus Mendoza, a couple in their twenties, are accused of robbing four cannabis dispensaries in Los Angeles over a six-week period in 2023. Their crime spree began shortly after they started dating, with their first robbery occurring on April 24 at Up in Smoke. During this incident, Tovar allegedly assaulted an employee, Samantha Vargas, while Mendoza held others at gunpoint. The couple's second robbery took place at Daily Dose, where they returned multiple times, and they also targeted another dispensary, Fire House. The couple's criminal activities came to an end on June 11, 2023, when Mendoza crashed his BMW after a high-speed chase with police. Initially charged with multiple serious offenses, including kidnapping and robbery, the couple faced a preliminary hearing where some charges were dropped. The prosecution highlighted the vulnerability of unlicensed dispensaries, which are often reluctant to report crimes due to their illegal status. Tovar's attorney suggested that Vargas may have been complicit in the robbery, a claim Vargas denied. The couple's actions raised concerns about the safety of employees in the cannabis industry, particularly in unregulated markets. The LAPD continues to investigate the case, searching for additional suspects involved in the robberies. This case underscores the risks associated with unlicensed cannabis operations and the potential for criminal exploitation. As the investigation unfolds, it may lead to broader discussions about the regulation of cannabis dispensaries and the safety of their employees.