Two Men Sentenced for Robbery and Extortion

Two men from Ventura, Oscar Aguirre Silva, 31, and Edward Donaldo Ramirez Martinez, 28, were sentenced to prison this week for their involvement in a series of armed robberies that occurred between November and December 2022. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California reported that the pair targeted various establishments, including a taco truck, a smoke shop, and a grocery store, as well as a woman who was held at gunpoint. Silva's criminal activities began on November 6, 2022, when he violently extorted a taco truck vendor in Oxnard. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the impact on victims, stating they were simply trying to earn a living. Just days later, Silva robbed a woman at gunpoint, stealing her iPhone and purse, while Martinez served as the getaway driver. The stolen debit cards were later used in an attempt to purchase items at a smoke shop. Martinez, a convicted felon, was also found in illegal possession of a "ghost gun" and ammunition. He received a sentence of 4½ years in federal prison and was ordered to pay $1,597 in restitution for aggravated identity theft and possession of ammunition. Silva was sentenced to six years in federal prison and must pay $2,941 in restitution, facing multiple charges including robbery and bank fraud. A third accomplice, David Ray Reyes, received a 26-month sentence after pleading guilty to related charges.