Mexico’s Robin Hood

The story of “Chucho El roto”

Jesus Arriaga (1858–1885?) was born into a middle-class Mexican family. After the death of his father when he was a teenager, he began work as a carpenter. Chucho (a common nickname for Jesus) was educated and carried himself in a manner that allowed him access to all levels of Mexican society. He was reputed to be well-dressed and enjoyed the theater.

During one of his carpentry jobs at the home of a wealthy Mexican family he fell in love with Matilde, the niece of the family. Matilde became pregnant, but her family refused to allow them to marry since Chucho was poor.

The family left for Europe to hide the pregnancy only to return two years later with an infant named Dolores who they claimed they adopted in France. Chucho kidnapped the girl and hid her and her mother at his sister’s house. The police went after Chucho, and he fled, abandoning his family. The nickname “El roto” was added, meaning broken or discarded.

He promised to always take care of his family and others in desperate situations. Chased by the police, he turned to banditry.

Chucho El Roto specialized in robbing jewelry stores, pawnshops, and homes of the wealthy, often enlisting the help of female thieves in his escapades. His good looks and fine clothes, and manners helped him to infiltrate the upper class without causing suspicion. This ability to cross socio-economic lines distinguishes him from other common bandits of the time.

Chucho El Roto was also active robbing the trains that plied the routes from Mexico City to Veracruz, Puebla, and Queretaro. Often, these trains carried the freshly minted coins from the mint in Mexico City.

It is said that Chucho’s mother had instilled in him the idea that it was bad to steal simply for the sake of stealing. As a result, he vowed to always share the proceeds of his misadventures with the poor and to avoid physical violence in his activities. These values have led to his being regarded as a type of Mexican Robin Hood.

Jesus Arriaga (Chucho) was also a master of escape and even though he was arrested numerous times, he managed to escape all except (perhaps) the last time.

Twice he was imprisoned at San Juan de Ulua Prison in Veracruz. This prison was built during the Spanish colonial period on top of a coral reef in the middle of the Veracruz shark-infested harbor. It is said that for a prisoner to enter there is a death sentence due to the humidity and unsanitary conditions.

Regardless, Chucho escaped once. Legend says that after being recaptured and imprisoned again in San Juan de Ulua, Matilde (his true love) intervened and bribed jailors at the prison to help Chucho escape. It is said he and Matilde lived a long life under an assumed identity.

No one knows for sure, as his remains were never found.