MIAMI, FLORIDA – A man from New York has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for plotting the shooting of a well-known auto designer in southwest Miami-Dade back in 2019.

Jaime Serrano, 46, was convicted of interstate stalking, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, four years after the shooting of Alex Vega. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida announced the verdict.

Serrano and his co-defendant, 27-year-old Julian Jimenez, traveled from New York to Miami and conducted surveillance on the victim at his business and home. On August 27, 2019, Jimenez shot at Vega eight times as he pulled up to his garage, then fled with Serrano driving the getaway car. Vega survived the attack but underwent surgery to remove the projectiles from his body.

Vega, who runs The Auto Firm and customizes high-end cars for celebrities, expressed disbelief at the incident months after the shooting. Jimenez had previously pleaded guilty to the same charges before the trial.

The incident highlights the dangers of stalking and violence, as well as the impact it can have on the lives of those targeted. The sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences for such criminal behavior in the justice system, and the importance of taking measures to prevent and respond to such acts of violence.