Ex-footballer fails $1.2m heist due to heavy cash bags
Devin Aguilar's failed $1.2m heist leads to arrest due to heavy bags
A former professional football player’s attempt to steal $1.2 million in marijuana proceeds failed when he realised the stolen cash bags were too heavy to carry. Devin Aguilar, who briefly played for the Tennessee Titans, abandoned the bags in the Colorado woods and fled. However, he left his gloves in one of the bags, leading to his arrest after authorities matched his DNA from the gloves.
Arapahoe County officials identified the 35-year-old through DNA from the black-and-blue gloves found with the cash. Aguilar, once a star at the University of Washington, had a prior burglary record. His failed heist, which took place in December 2021, resulted in about a year in Arapahoe County Jail, from which he was released last month.
The robbery, recorded by at least six surveillance cameras, was meticulously planned. Aguilar, dressed entirely in black, held a transport van driver at gunpoint and forced her to fill bags with $1,224,785 from various marijuana businesses. However, Aguilar underestimated the weight of the money, causing him to abandon the bags under a tree near the crime scene.
Devin Aguilar, a Colorado high school all-state football star who had a brief NFL career, served less than a year behind bars for the armed $1.2 million cash heist that police investigators say was like something out of a Hollywood movie. https://t.co/Nz4AW4uair
— Action News Now (@ActionNewsNow) October 19, 2024
Authorities discovered Aguilar’s gloves, which ultimately led to his arrest. During the investigation, it was revealed that Aguilar’s girlfriend, Fawn Huya, a 54-year-old teller at the cash transport service, was involved. She initially claimed ignorance of Aguilar’s plan, but investigators found evidence on her phone detailing the heist.
On the day of the crime, Aguilar ambushed the transport van driver as she arrived at the company garage. He forced her to load the cash into trash bags and fled with them. Despite their six months of planning, Aguilar and Huya did not account for the weight of the money, leading to his downfall.
Huya turned on Aguilar during the investigation, admitting her role and taking a plea deal for armed robbery. She received a six-month jail sentence and probation. Aguilar also took a plea deal, pleading guilty to felony theft and aggravated robbery. Prosecutors sought a 15 to 20-year sentence, but the judge sentenced him to just one year, of which he served less than seven months.
Both law enforcement and the transport business expressed disappointment with the lenient sentence. They felt it did not deliver justice for the victims. The transport van driver has since experienced panic attacks and paranoia, requiring therapy for anxiety.
Aguilar, who participated in at least one NFL preseason game, expressed remorse and a desire for another chance. He told the judge he takes full accountability for his actions and is ready to move forward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Devin Aguilar?
Devin Aguilar is a former professional football player who briefly played for the Tennessee Titans.
What crime did Devin Aguilar commit?
Devin Aguilar attempted to steal $1.2 million in marijuana proceeds but failed.
How was Devin Aguilar caught?
Authorities matched Aguilar’s DNA found on gloves he left in one of the bags of stolen cash.
What was the outcome for Devin Aguilar’s girlfriend, Fawn Huya?
Fawn Huya took a plea deal for armed robbery, receiving a six-month jail sentence and probation.
How long did Devin Aguilar serve in jail?
Devin Aguilar served less than seven months in Arapahoe County Jail.
