Jose Manuel Escobar De Loera Guilty In Robbery Spree Targeting Asian-Owned Businesses (Photo) - 06/16/26

HILLSBORO, Oregon- On May 7, 2026, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Janelle Wipper found Jose Manuel Escobar De Loera guilty of robbery in the first degree (two counts), robbery in the second degree (two counts), theft in the first degree (two counts), and theft in the second degree in a bench trial. Judge Wipper later sentenced the defendant to 135 months in prison. Deputy District Attorneys Carlos Catibayan and Nolan Hill prosecuted this case.
 

The defendant was part of a group that committed armed robberies of Asian-owned massage businesses in Tigard and Tualatin. On December 13, 2025, the defendant carried out coordinated and premeditated robberies at two Tigard massage businesses. After searching and mapping the businesses, he gained entry by posing as a customer. His accomplices then entered with masks and weapons and threatened employees before the defendant and his accomplices stole cash and phones.
 

On December 16, 2025, the defendant and his accomplices carried out a similar crime, but employees were able to flee the scene and wave down a passing vehicle for help. The vehicle’s driver was able to apprehend the defendant. The defendant was found holding the business’s security box and was observed discarding stolen cash and stolen phones in a creek.
 

Law enforcement obtained the defendant’s phone records to show that the defendant searched and traveled to all three locations. Phone records, surveillance footage, and victim testimony were used to identify the defendant.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the work of Tualatin and Tigard police and the courage of the victims.

The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.