Mon. Sep 15th, 2025

The Fullerton Police were able to track down a group of armed robbers from Los Angeles County after several months, arresting them on Sep. 10, 2025.

On May 10, 2025, Fullerton Police Officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of W. Orangethorpe Avenue regarding an armed robbery.

The victims were walking to their vehicle when they were confronted by multiple males who held them at gunpoint and stole various high-end pieces of jewelry.

Officers quickly responded to the location; however, the suspects had already fled the area at a high rate of speed.

Through an extensive investigation, Fullerton Police Detectives determined this was a targeted robbery. The suspects had followed the victims across multiple cities prior to the crime.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the ATF Orange County Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes Fullerton Police Detectives, served several search warrants and arrested:

  • Donald Jones, 21, of Los Angeles
  • George Barragan, 20, of Whittier
  • Gavin Stafford, 19, of Compton

During the execution of several search warrants, investigators recovered evidence related to the robbery, including items stolen from the victims.

Jones, Barragan, and Stafford were transported and booked at the Fullerton City Jail. The case has since been submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective D. Cazares at (714) 738-6756. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or visit www.p3tips.com/913.

Based on California law and sentencing guidelines, the three suspects arrested in the Fullerton armed robbery case—Donald Jones, George Barragan, and Gavin Stafford—face serious legal consequences if convicted. Here’s a plain-text summary of the potential penalties:

Base Charges: Robbery (Penal Code § 211)

Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of property from another person by force or fear. It is always charged as a felony in California.

  • First-degree robbery (e.g., in an inhabited dwelling or involving an ATM):
    • 3, 4, or 6 years in state prison
    • 3, 6, or 9 years if committed with two or more accomplices in an inhabited dwelling 
  • Second-degree robbery (all other types):
    • 2, 3, or 5 years in state prison 

Enhancements for Firearm Use (Penal Code § 12022.53)

If a firearm was used during the robbery, additional prison time is added to the base sentence:

  • Used a firearm: +10 years
  • Discharged a firearm: +20 years
  • Discharged a firearm causing injury or death: +25 years to life 

These enhancements are mandatory and consecutive, meaning they are added on top of the robbery sentence.

Other Consequences

  • Strike offense: Robbery is a violent felony under California’s Three Strikes Law.
    • A second strike doubles the sentence for any future felony.
    • A third strike can result in 25 years to life.
  • Restitution: Defendants may be ordered to repay victims for stolen or damaged property.
  • Probation: Rarely granted in armed robbery cases. If granted, it comes with strict conditions like community service, restitution, and regular check-ins.
  • Lifetime firearm ban: Convicted felons lose the right to own or possess firearms.
  • Immigration consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of re-entry.

Summary

If convicted, the suspects could face decades in prison, especially if firearms were used or discharged. The exact sentence would depend on:

  • The degree of robbery charged
  • Whether weapons were used or discharged
  • Whether bodily injury occurred
  • Their criminal history

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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