District of Puerto Rico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Olympic Athlete and Track Coach Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Unlawful Sexual Activity with a StudentRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Alexander Greaux-Gómez to 20 years in prison followed by a supervised release term of 15 years for sexual enticement of a minor, and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. On May 22, 2019, after a three-day jury trial, Greaux-Gómez was found guilty. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ginette Milanés.
On February 9, 2017, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, working jointly with Puerto Rico Police Department’s Division of Sexual Crimes in Guayama, and prosecutors from the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, arrested Greaux-Gómez, former teacher and track and field coach of the Salinas’s specialized sports school, “Albergue Olímpico,” for sexual enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
During the trial, the government’s evidence proved that the female minor first met the defendant when she was in 7th grade and went to train and attend boarding school at “Albergue Olímpico.” The defendant, a former Olympic athlete, took a special interest in the minor. This interest became personal and then eventually sexual in nature. The minor was 15 years old and the defendant was 39 when he began preying on her and convincing her to engage in sexual acts at the school, in his car, and at an abandoned home school he once operated.
The defendant also communicated with the minor over WhatsApp about the secrecy of their relationship and would send extremely sexually graphic communications to her.
“The defendant was entrusted by the families of our community to care for their children and act as a role model. He betrayed that trust in the most profound way – by preying on a student he was supposed to protect. This sentence should serve to reassure the public that we are paying close attention to the well-being of our children, and that we will spare no expense to take child predators off the streets,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue to focus on protecting our children from the depraved individuals who would seek to abuse them.”
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Individuals Sentenced to Prison for Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – The Honorable Gustavo A. Gelpí, US District Court Chief Judge, sentenced Juan Batista Johnson-Debel and Noel De León-De La Rosa, who were convicted after a jury trial of destroying controlled substances while on board a boat subject to U.S. jurisdiction, in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Section 70503(a)(2), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendants were found guilty on June 24, 2019.
According to witness statements during trial, U.S. Customs and Border Protection spotted the two defendants with bales of suspected cocaine on board their boat traveling from the Dominican Republic into Puerto Rico. However, before U.S Customs and Border Protection were able to seize the vessel and defendants, the bales were thrown overboard and destroyed.
At sentencing, Judge Gelpí found that the evidence showed that defendants were engaged in drug trafficking and destroyed that evidence. Defendant Johnson received a sentence of 60 months’ imprisonment, while Defendant De León received a sentence of 72 months’ imprisonment for destroying the evidence and entering Puerto Rico illegally. The Judge imposed an additional 6-month term of imprisonment on Defendant De León for illegally re-entering Puerto Rico, which was a violation of his terms of supervised release on a previous federal case.
“We congratulate the prosecution team for taking on this challenging case and securing convictions against these two defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue to secure our borders from drug traffickers.”
The case was tried by AUSA David T. Henek and Senior Litigation Counsel José Ruiz-Santiago.
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50 Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in Puerto Rico as Part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 25, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 50 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Ponce Strike Force, were in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the US Marshals Service.
The indictment alleges that since the year 2013, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, crack, cocaine, and marihuana, within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the José N. Gándara, and the Hogares de Portugués Public Housing Projects located in the Municipality of Ponce, and other areas in the southern part of Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit.
The 50 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, and sellers. Sixteen defendants are also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As part of the conspiracy, the members of the drug trafficking gang conducted meetings to discuss the activities of the organization. The defendants had access to different vehicles in order to transport money, narcotics, and firearms. The leaders had final approval authority as to disciplinary action to be imposed upon residents of the José N. Gándara Public Housing Project; the Hogares de Portugués Public Housing Project, and/or the members of the conspiracy should they disobey the rules imposed by the drug trafficking organization.
The drug distribution points were located at the staircases of the public housing project buildings, among other locations. The gates of the buildings would be locked to prevent law enforcement personnel’s access to the drug points, thereby avoiding detection. The gang also used homemade buckets, similar to a “weapon unloading station,” to test fire their firearms while concealing the sound of the shot. These buckets were located within different areas in the José N. Gándara Public Housing Project. Members of the conspiracy would create labels to identify controlled substances as “prescribed” in order to mislead law enforcement agents into believing that the controlled substance was authorized to treat medical conditions.
The defendants indicted are: Cristopher Román-Medina, a.k.a. “Keke”; Victor Torres Galindo, a.k.a. “Manuel Silva”; Hommy Santiago-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Hommy/Cacique”; Jonathan Ramos, a.k.a. “Zurdo”; Josué Rosado-Ríos, a.k.a. “Josué”; Juan C. Borrero-Silva, a.k.a. “Mata/Matta”; Emilio J. Alomar-García, a.k.a. “Machua/Macho/Millo”; Alexandro Rivera-Pérez, a.k.a. “El Cojo/Alex El Cojo”; Santiago De Jesús-Martínez, a.k.a. “Junito/Yairan”; Alex Manuel Malavet-Rivera, a.k.a. “Alexito”; Hector Pagán-Vega, a.k.a. “Piky”; Eric Tomás Nazario-Torres, a.k.a. “Eric/Eric Cripy”; Jesús M. Vargas-Vargas, a.k.a. “Bombo/Manuel”; Anthony Nazario-Ortiz, a.k.a. “El Negro”; José Luis Pabón-Custodio, a.k.a. “Joseito”; José A. Cintrón-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Rubia/Colorao/Barbie”; Juan C. Borrero-Ramírez, a.k.a. “Aspirina/Aspi”; Gerardo Rosado, a.k.a. “Gistro/Yistro/El Chacal”; Yalexis Fernández-García, a.k.a. “Lija/Flaco”; Rubén A. Rivera-Soto, a.k.a. “Piño”; Jean C. Velázquez-Cebollero, a.k.a. “Cebollero”; Gilberto Laboy-Nadal, a.k.a. “Papito/Papito Winston”; Randell Soto-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Bambino”; Victor Andrés Segarra-Vega, a.k.a. “Andy/Andie”; Victor Manuel Segarra-Vega, a.k.a. “Ito”; William D. Sanabria-Torres Jr., a.k.a. “W/William”; Anthony Almodovar-Guzmán, a.k.a. “Anthony”; Christopher González-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Offer”; Jonathan González-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Menor/Johnny”; José Manuel López-Velázquez, a.k.a. “Gordo”; Erik Antonio Avilés- Vega, a.k.a. “Eric/Erick/Erikcito/Erik-Chiquito”; Christopher Rosa-Moreno, a.k.a. “Chris”; Joseph Joamil Fontanez-Colón, a.k.a. “Nueva Atenas/Joamil/Cano”; Vilma Janet Vázquez-Vargas, a.k.a. “Janet/La Pata”; José J. Colón-Ramírez, a.k.a. “Yaye”; Arístides Rivera-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Fama”; Alberto Pimentel-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Alberto”; Alexander Omar González-Morales, a.k.a. “Alexander”; Luis Ángel García-Ríos, a.k.a. “Boxeador”; Wilson Berríos-Flores, a.k.a. “Panda”; Axcel Orlando-Barral, a.k.a. “Axel/Uno-Nene”; Jeisabel Torruella-Almodovar, a.k.a. “Jei”; Freddyson Orengo-Rivera, a.k.a. “Menor”; Kevin Antonio Colón-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Atleta”; Ángel L. González-Morales, a.k.a. “Anuel”; Javier I. Montes-Medina, a.k.a. “Ivan”; Fernando L. Rivera-Quiñones, a.k.a. “Nandin/Colorao/Nando”; Samuel Jesús Castillo-Santana, a.k.a. “Simbólico”; Pedro Pacheco-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Pedro”; and Katherine Colón-Negrón, a.k.a. “Katy-Troll”.
“I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who have dismantled this drug trafficking organization with today’s indictment,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to investigate these violent criminal organizations with our law enforcement counterparts, and send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
“The results of this operation show the commitment of HSI, and that of our partners in PRPD and the DEA, to rid our communities of individuals involved in criminal activity,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge for HSI San Juan. “Because of the hard work and efforts of HSI and DEA special agents and PRPD officers, we have 50 fewer alleged criminals in the streets, thus making our neighborhoods safer. This is only the beginning of a series of surges to return our communities to law-abiding citizens from unscrupulous criminals who have no respect for human life and dignity.”
“Today’s operation is a reflection of successful inter-agency cooperation. The dismantlement of violent organizations like this one, takes time. Since 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Police Department have been relentless in targeting the criminal elements affecting the citizens of Ponce and surrounding municipalities. Working alongside the United States Attorneys’ Office, today we bettered the lives not only of the residents of these communities, but our quality of life as citizens of Puerto Rico. DEA will stay here, and we will prevail,” stated A.J. Collazo, DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney María L. Montañez-Concepción is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce drugs and drug related violence in the communities. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
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Honduran National Sentenced to Prison for His Involvement in National Conspiracy to Sell Identity Documents to Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
A Honduran national was sentenced to 33 months in prison today for his role in a scheme to sell the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents to individuals illegally residing in the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico, Acting Director Matthew T. Albence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement.
Jose Armando Pavon Salazar (Pavon), 37, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi of the District of Puerto Rico, who also ordered Pavon to serve three years of supervised release. Pavon pleaded guilty on June 4, to one count of conspiracy to encourage an alien to reside in the United States for financial gain. Pavon was also ordered removed from the United States upon completion of his prison sentence. Pavon was arrested in El Salvador in January 2018 and extradited to the United States on Nov. 28, 2018. Before his arrest and extradition, Pavon had been a fugitive since March 22, 2012, when a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Puerto Rico returned a 50-count superseding indictment charging Pavon and 52 other defendants with offenses involving a massive identity fraud scheme.
According to the admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Pavon and his co-conspirators participated in a scheme to encourage illegal aliens to reside in the United States for financial gain. To accomplish the scheme, Pavon and his co-conspirators sold government-issued identity documents, including Government of Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates and corresponding U.S. social security cards (identity documents). Pavon and his co-conspirators knew these documents pertained to real people. Pavon admitted that the documents were sold to illegal aliens so they could assume the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens, and/or fraudulently apply for other identity documents in that person’s name in order to reside in the United States.
Pavon paid his supplier approximately $400 for the identify documents, consisting of a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a social security card. The supplier would then use the U.S. mail to send the documents to Pavon. To date, dozens of persons have been convicted in connection with the scheme.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with assistance from HSI San Juan, Puerto Rico. The HSI Attaché Office in the El Salvador along with El Salvador’s Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit provided invaluable support, with assistance from ICE and U.S. Postal Inspection Service offices around the country.
Trial Attorney Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted this case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter.
Potential victims and the public may obtain information about the case at: www.justice.gov/criminal/vns/caseup/beltrerj.html. Anyone who believes their identity may have been compromised in relation to this investigation or who may have information about particular crimes in this case should call the ICE toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or use its online tip form at www.ice.gov/tipline.
Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of identity theft, or wants information about preventing identity theft, may obtain helpful information and complaint forms on various government websites including the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional resources regarding identity theft can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/pubs/ID_theft/idtheft.html, www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html and www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=186436,00.html.
Girl’s Softball Coach Indicted for Transportation of A Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against Dennis Cotto-Alvarado for transporting a female minor with the intent to engage criminal sexual conduct, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Cotto-Alvarado was the coach of girls’ softball team called “Las Maratonistas de Coamo.”
The FBI is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.
The indictment charges that from in or about June 2017 through February 2019, Cotto-Alvarado transported a 13-year-old female minor with the intent that the minor engage in unlawful sexual activity for which a person can be charged with a criminal offense under Puerto Rico law, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a).
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of incarceration of ten years and a possible maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment.
A criminal indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Individual Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández sentenced Ricardo Barrios-Calderón to 25 years in prison followed by a supervised release term of 10 years for production of child pornography, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Barrios-Calderón pleaded guilty on February 22, 2019.
According to the statement of facts, which was part of the Plea Agreement states that on February 12, 2018, the mother of a 12-year-old female informed Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Agents that, on or about February 9, 2018, her daughter had told her that defendant Ricardo Barrios-Calderón had kissed her on the lips and had touched her breasts and vagina. The victim also told her mother that defendant Barrios-Calderón recorded her with his cellular phone while he was touching her. Barrios-Calderón is a close family member and would give the victim presents in exchange for her sexual encounters with him.
On February 12, 2018, FBI Agents executed a search warrant in defendant Barrios-Calderón’s residence and prior residence, both located in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Since defendant Barrios-Calderón was at his current residence, FBI Agents proceeded to arrest him. FBI Agents conducted a forensic examination on the defendant’s electronic equipment, which was found to contain sexually explicit videos between him and the minor, in addition to other unrelated images and videos of child pornography.
“The sexual abuse of children is repugnant, and it victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable of all,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We must bring the full force of the law against sexual predators. We are committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice and protecting every child.”
The FBI handled the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea prosecuted the case.
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Individual Charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 12, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an eight-count indictment charging Bryan Gilbert Díaz-De Jesús, a.k.a. “Bryan Gilbert De Jesús,” with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, and use of a communication facility, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are in charge of the investigation in collaboration with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The indictment alleges that from May 2019 until August 2019, Díaz-De Jesús, conspired with others to knowingly possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. The defendant introduced and caused the introduction into interstate commerce, and with the intent to defraud and mislead, a “drug” as defined under Title 21, United States Code, Section 321(g)(1) – specifically, N-phenyl-N-[1(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperindinyl] propenamide, commonly known as fentanyl, that was misbranded, in that the drug’s labeling failed to bear adequate directions for use.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse by drug users. Fentanyl is often added to heroin by criminal drug distributors to increase the heroin’s potency in order to produce a stronger effect on the structure/function of the bodies of drug users. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and are unaware that they are, in fact, purchasing fentanyl. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, just two (2) milligrams of fentanyl is a lethal dose for most people.
As part of the conspiracy the defendant used a communication facility, a postal station, in facilitating the commission the drug trafficking.
“Arrests like these are saving lives,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Fentanyl is the number one threat in the opioid epidemic in the United States, and we are seeing an increase in the presence of fentanyl laced with other drugs in Puerto Rico. We are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to get drug traffickers off the streets where they can no longer push these lethal drugs into our communities. This investigation continues.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief, Gang Unit, and María L. Montañez-Concepción are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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FEMA Deputy Regional Administrator, Former President of Cobra Acquisitions, LLC, and Another Former FEMA Employee Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, Honest Services Wire Fraud, Disaster Fraud, Among Other ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Ahsha Nateef Tribble, a FEMA Region II, Deputy Regional Administrator; Donald Keith Ellison, former President of Cobra Acquisitions, LLC; and Jovanda R. Patterson, a.k.a. “Jo/Jojo,” former FEMA Deputy Chief of Staff, have been indicted and arrested on charges of: conspiracy to commit bribery of public officials; acts affecting a personal financial interest; false statements; disaster fraud; honest services wire fraud, Travel Act violations, and wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), conducted the investigation with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The indictment returned Tuesday, September 3, 2019, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 15 counts against the following individuals:
- Ahsha Nateef Tribble - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region II, Deputy Regional Administrator, assigned to work in Puerto Rico as part of FEMA’s response to Hurricane María. From October 2017 to September 2018, Tribble was also the Sector Lead for Power and Infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the Recovery Office Deputy Director – Infrastructure Directorate/Disaster Recovery Manager in the Office of the FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer.
- Donald Keith Ellison - President of Cobra Acquisitions, LLC until June 2019;
- Jovanda R. Patterson, a.k.a. “Jo/Jojo,” - FEMA Deputy Chief of Staff, assigned to San Juan, PR from October 2017 to March 2018. Patterson resigned from her position with FEMA in July 2018 to work for Cobra Energy LLC.
The indictment alleges that the defendants used Tribble’s positions in FEMA to benefit and enrich themselves and defraud the United States. Following the passage of Hurricane María over Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, Ahsha Nateef Tribble, Donald Keith Ellison, and Jovanda R. Patterson came to Puerto Rico as part of the recovery and restoration of Puerto Rico’s electric power grid. In Tribble’s position as Sector Lead and Deputy Director, she reported directly to the Federal Coordinating Officer and was FEMA’s primary leader as to the restoration of electric power on the island.
Ellison was President of Cobra Acquisitions, LLC (COBRA), the main contractor for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) as to recovery work performed following Hurricane María. PREPA executed two contracts with COBRA with a total contract value of approximately $1,845,429,800.00. Work performed under both contracts was paid through PREPA with federal funds from FEMA.
From October 2017 to April 2019, Tribble and Ellison developed a personal relationship wherein Ellison provided Tribble with things of value with the intent to influence Tribble’s performance of official acts. Ellison provided Tribble with personal helicopter use, hotel accommodations, airfare, personal security services, and the use of a credit card. As part of Ellison’s pattern of providing things of value to Tribble, he also secured employment within COBRA’s affiliated companies for her friend, defendant Patterson. In exchange, Tribble performed official acts, including influencing, advising, and exerting pressure on PREPA and FEMA officials, in order to award restoration work to COBRA and accelerate payments to COBRA.
Count 1 of the Indictment charges Tribble and Ellison with a conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 based on soliciting and giving things of value to Tribble in order to influence Tribble’s performance of official acts as a FEMA employee. To further the conspiracy, Tribble and Ellison communicated using private email accounts, private cellular telephones, including a disposable prepaid cellular number, Apple iMessage, and SMS texts rather than FEMA issued email accounts or cellular telephones.
Counts 2 through 5 of the Indictment charge Tribble and Ellison with honest services wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1346, 1343 pertaining to the defendant’s scheme to deprive the United States and its citizens of the honest services of Tribble, a public official.
Count 6 of the Indictment charges Tribble and Ellison with disaster fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1040. Despite Ellison’s duty to disclose to PREPA all information and circumstances of its relationships with third persons, and Tribble’s duty to refuse gifts from prohibited sources, Tribble and Ellison concealed Tribble’s receipt and acceptance of things of value from Ellison.
Counts 7 through 10 of the Indictment charge Tribble with Travel Act violations prohibited by 18 U.S.C. § 1952(a)(3) pertaining to her use of interstate wire and electronic communications, with the intent to promote, manage, establish, and carry on the bribery scheme.
Counts 11 and 12 of the Indictment charge Ellison with false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001. On March 15, 2019, Ellison stated to FBI and DHS OIG agents as a part of a voluntary interview, that he had no personal relationship with Tribble and was only around her in relation to business. He also stated that he had not taken a helicopter trip with Tribble on or about February 7, 2018. Ellison knew both statements were false.
Count 13 of the Indictment charges Patterson with committing acts affecting personal financial conflicts of interest in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 208. While Patterson was negotiating employment with COBRA and its affiliates from March to July 2018, Patterson participated as a FEMA employee in a May 8, 2018 Past Performance Evaluation for Cobra Logistics LLC as a part of a vendor bid process.
Counts 14 and 15 of the Indictment charge Patterson with wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. While negotiating employment with COBRA and its affiliates from March 2018 through July 2018, Patterson falsely represented her FEMA salary to be calculated based on the Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule (“GS”) Pay Table at GS 14 Step 10. In fact, Patterson’s salary and GS level were lower. The material misrepresentation caused her to be offered an annual salary of $160,000 plus 30% bonus.
Defendants Tribble and Ellison are facing a forfeiture allegation of the following: $1,000,000.00 contained in Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. account in the name of Donald Keith Ellison, seized on April 26, 2019; $3,425,512.93 contained in Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. account in the name of Ellison, seized on June 18, 2019; One Myco Boat Trailer; one Caterpillar Model D5K2LGP Tractor; one Caterpillar Model 320EL Hydraulic Excavator; $71,551.40 in a checking account at JP Morgan Chase, in the name of Ellison; $276,583.84 contained in a savings account at JP Morgan Chase, in the name of Ellison; $100,306.70 contained in a savings account at JP Morgan Chase, in the name of Ellison and Jakyln F. Garrett; One 2018 Invincible 40-foot catamaran; and one 2018 Ford F-150 “XL” crew cab pickup truck.
“These defendants were supposed to come to Puerto Rico to help during the recovery after the devastation suffered from Hurricane María. Instead, they decided to take advantage of the precarious conditions of our electric power grid and engaged in a bribery and honest services wire fraud scheme in order to enrich themselves illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “All government officials are entrusted with performing their duties honestly and ethically. The charged offenses are reprehensible, more so in light of PREPA’s and Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis.”
“This investigation was a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), which dedicated significant personnel and resources over the last year to investigate the defendants and the events outlined in today’s indictment. This was a nationwide investigative effort, conducted jointly with our partners in the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These charges send a clear message that the DHS OIG will aggressively pursue fraud committed by DHS employees and their co-conspirators. Corruption in the ranks at DHS and its components will not be tolerated,” stated Inspector General Joseph Cuffari and Special Agent in Charge of the Major Frauds and Corruption Unit, James Long.
“While there is no known cure to permanently rid society of corruption, there are certain powerful antidotes, namely, arrests and prosecutions. Thanks to our partners at the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney’s Office, swift and certain justice will be delivered to all those who would steal funds from citizens most in need,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myriam Y. Fernández and Seth Erbe. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to 5 years for conspiracy, travel act violations, conflict of interest, and false statements, up to 30 years for honest services wire fraud and disaster fraud. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Two Men Arrested for Carjacking with Intent to Cause Serious Bodily HarmRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – A grand jury returned an indictment against Randy Rivera-Nevárez and Domingo Emanuel Bruno-Cotto, charging them with carjacking with intent to cause serious bodily harm, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in an affidavit filed in the case, on August 25 at approximately 9:00pm, an adult female and an adult male went to Balneario Costa de Oro beach in Dorado. At approximately 11:30pm, the male and female victims were swimming when they noticed some individuals near their belongings, so they returned to shore. As soon as they left the water, two armed male subjects approached them and announced a robbery.
The subjects took the wallets and cell phones of the victims and started negotiating with them for money. They threatened to kill the female victim if she did not cooperate. They both raped her and one forced her to perform oral sex.
Eventually, the subjects gave the female victim back her clothes, pepper-sprayed the male victim in the face, then left with male victim’s vehicle, a white 2000 Jeep Cherokee.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Gottfried. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 25 years in prison. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Individual Arrested for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll authorized a criminal complaint against Christopher Quiñones-Prieto charging him with unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to thank the PR Police Department, prosecutors Mario Rivera, Miguel García, and their supervisor Jorge Carrión, from the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, District of Carolina, for their prompt response and efforts during this investigation. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in the affidavit, during the evening of August 24, 2019, in Jardines de Canovanas, Canovanas, PR at the intersection of 185/ Autonomía Road and Pepita Albandoz Road, there was a vehicle-to-vehicle shooting. The shootout occurred in front of a local business. Video camera surveillance footage retrieved from the business shows Vehicle 1 driving northbound on 185/ Autonomía Road and Vehicle 2 following close behind it. Vehicle 2 stopped in front of the local business, at which point a male, later identified as Christopher Quiñones-Prieto, got out of Vehicle 2 holding a pistol. Quiñones-Prieto appeared to be under gunfire. Quiñones-Prieto struggled but managed to point his pistol in the direction of where the previous gunfire had come from and discharged his weapon, which was fully automatic.
After the shooting ceased, Quiñones-Prieto was seen limping away, heading north on 185/ Autonomia Road. Later on, he was taken to the Centro Médico emergency room in San Juan, PR, and was treated for a gunshot wound to the right thigh/femur. Quiñones-Prieto was then released under stable condition.
Quiñones-Prieto recorded a video and posted it to his Instagram account. In the video Quiñones-Prieto stated, “Se van a quedar con las ganas cabrones. Los voy a reventar.” (“You’re going to have to wait motherfuckers. I’m going to blow you up.”). While stating the above, Quiñones-Prieto pointed his camera towards his pelvis, which was severely wounded.
This arrest is part of the Trigger Puller Initiative, the Carolina Strike Force, and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief, Gang Unit, and Assistant US Attorney Corinne Cordero. If convicted, the defendant could face up to 10 years in prison. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Mayagüez Man Found Guilty of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of A Minor with the Intent of Committing A Criminal Sexual ActRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a four-day jury trial, Rafael Soler-Montalvo was found guilty of attempted sexual enticement of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí presided over the trial.
On May 3, 2017 the defendant was indicted for using a text messaging service to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual the defendant believed to be a 13 year-old female to engage in sexual activity, for which the defendant could be charged with a criminal offense under the laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
During the trial, the government’s evidence proved that the defendant sent four photographs of himself including one of his penis to the female “minor.” During the course of the text messages, Soler-Montalvo asked: a) what the “minor” was wearing; b) how long the “minor” could be away from everyone; and c) if the “minor” was looking forward to being with him. Further, he explained in explicit detail the illegal sexual acts he wanted to do to her. In addition, he suggested they meet at a location in Mayagüez, PR and then engage in sexual activity at his house and/or his car.
“This conviction shows our commitment to apprehend and prosecute child predators,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “This conviction should send a strong message to other child predators that they cannot hide their criminal acts on the internet.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ginette Milanes. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for December 10.
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40 Year-Old Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States District Court Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí sentenced Rubén Darío Báez-Aponte from Mayagüez, PR, to 11 years and three months in prison followed by a supervised release term of 20 years for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Báez-Aponte was arrested on October 26, 2018 and pleaded guilty on April 23, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, during the months of May through August of 2018, Báez-Aponte used the Facebook Messenger application to communicate with a 12 year-old male minor to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce him to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant requested sexually explicit photos from the male minor, and sent him pictures of his penis. The sexually explicit conduct occurred in at least four times at the defendant’s residence.
“This sentence should serve to reassure the public that we are paying close attention to the well-being of our children, and that we will spare no expense to take child predators off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “All child sexual predators will be held accountable for the unspeakable crimes they commit and the harm they cause to their victims and their families.”
Homeland Security Investigations was responsible for investigation of the case. The criminal prosecution was handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo.
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Individual and His Company Indicted for Violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Thursday, August 16, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging Tower & Son Exterminating, Corp. and its owner Wilson Javier Torres-Rivera for violations of FIFRA, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency are in charge of the investigation.
Tower & Son Exterminating, Corp. is a Puerto Rico corporation that provided pest control services. According to the allegations in the indictment, Tower & Son Exterminating, Corp., and Wilson Javier Torres-Rivera, in the District of Puerto Rico and within the jurisdiction of this Court, acting as a commercial applicator, did knowingly apply the restricted-use pesticide Meth-O-Gas Q, containing methyl bromide, at the locations listed below, for the purpose of exterminating household pests, a use not in accordance with its registration and labeling:
1. August 19, 2014 at Cangrejos Yacht Club Carolina, PR
2. October 1, 2014 at Carr. 176 Km Camino Armando Marrero, PR
3. October 3, 2014 at Calle Estrella Del Mar, Dorado, PR
4. November 19, 2014 at Los Sueños Ciudad Jardín, Gurabo, PR
5. December 4, 2014 at Road 829 Km 6.2, Bayamón, PR
6. December 10, 2014 at Los Robles, Las Cumbres, San Juan, PR
7. January 12, 2015 at Los Robles, Las Cumbres, San Juan, PR
8. February 19, 2015 at Tejas Ward, Los Velázquez, Las Piedras, PR
All in violation of Title 7, United States Code, Sections 136j(a)(2)(G) and 136l(b)(1)(B).
Methyl bromide is acutely toxic and could be used only as a commodity fumigant for quarantine/regulatory use. According to its labeling, methyl bromide exposure could be fatal or cause acute illness or delayed lung or nervous system injury. Methyl bromide is odorless and nonirritating to skin and eyes during exposure. Early symptoms of overexposure are dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Lung edema may develop in 2 to 48 hours after exposure, accompanied by cardiac irregularities; these effects are the usual cause of death. Exposure to toxic levels of methyl bromide could occur without warning or detection.
“The highly dangerous actions of the defendant exposed both workers and the public to hazardous materials,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Today’s indictment underscores the importance of industry’s compliance with the law to ensure the protection of human health and the environment for the benefit of the people.”
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel from the Environmental Crimes Section, Howard P. Stewart and Assistant United States Attorney Carmen M. Marquez. An indictment is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Guaynabo Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Pay Legal Child Support ObligationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Defendant Alexis Juelle-Albello pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado to a one-count indictment which charged that from on or about May of 2011, continuing through the present, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendant traveled in interstate commerce with the intent to evade a court imposed child support obligation, and said obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than one year and is greater than $5,000 in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section228(a)(2), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. According to court documents, the total amount of the debt as of June 2018 was $1,868,012.50.
Juelle-Albello married his first wife in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on November 8, 1991 and had two children. On June 26, 2007, the Trial Court of Bayamón, Family and Minors Part (the “Bayamón Court”), issued a judgment of divorce. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Bayamón Court’s orders in the divorce proceedings, the mother was given custody of the children and child support obligations were imposed on Juelle-Albello, which included the payment of a monthly stipend of $13,893.81 through the Puerto Rico Child Support Administration (“ASUME”).
On or about April 1, 2011, the Bayamón Court issued an order advising Juelle-Albello that his failure to comply with several orders requiring that he pay the children’s’ school tuition debt would result in his arrest without further hearings. On April 6, 2011, Juelle-Albello sought a Driver’s License from the State of Florida where he reported his residential address to be in Weston, Florida, and he setup residence with his new wife and child. He also took two trips to Mexico seeking business opportunities. In the meantime, Juelle-Albello continued to disregard the Bayamón Court’s orders and on May 19, 2011, the Bayamón Court found him in contempt and ordered his arrest. Despite the contempt order, Juelle-Albello failed to pay his child support obligations.
From 2014 through 2017, Juelle-Albello made multiple filings in the Bayamón Court seeking the renewal of his passport because the U.S. Department of State would not renew his passport because of his outstanding child support obligations. In the motions filed, Juelle-Albello offered increasing amounts to the Court in exchange for an order authorizing the issuance of a passport. On January 27, 2014, he offered to make payments of $3,000.00 per month. On May 23, 2014, he offered a $30,000.00 lump sum payment alongside the monthly payments of $3,000.00. On August 22, 2014, he offered a lump sum payment of 20% of the outstanding debt of approximately $1,200,000.00, which lump sum payment would have equaled approximately $248,000.00. On May 17, 2017, he offered to make payments of $4,000.00 per month. All of these offers to pay in exchange for the renewal of his passport so he could pursue further business opportunities around the world evidenced Juelle-Albello’s capacity to pay his outstanding child support obligations, at least in some part, and his willful decision not to meet these obligations in any part.
The Bayamón Court rejected Juelle-Albello’s offers to make partial payments in exchange for the renewal of his U.S. passport and ordered him, instead, to make immediate payment of the totality of the outstanding debt to ASUME, which the Bayamón Court established in June 21, 2018 to be $1,868,012.50. Juelle-Albello has not made any payments to ASUME to address his outstanding debt from July 2013, through the present. Juelle-Albello only appeared in this jurisdiction in July 2018, after Mexican Immigration authorities deported him and delivered him to U.S. authorities pursuant to a federal arrest warrant issued in this case.
“The failure of parents to meet their child support obligations is a serious problem in this country and Congress enacted the federal felony crime under which Juelle-Albello has been prosecuted so federal agencies can supplement state and local child support enforcement efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Making sure parents live up to their financial responsibilities for the children is an important national priority. Protecting the wellbeing and interests of our most precious national source, our children, is highly appropriate and necessary.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dennise N. Longo-Quiñones. The case was investigated by the FBI. The defendant is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and fines up to $250,000, or both.
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Two Individuals Indicted Separately and Arrested for Carjacking Murder, Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Harm, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On August 14, 2019, a federal grand jury returned two separate indictments charging Carlos Rafael Rosario-Morales and Héctor L. Maldonado-Sierra for two separate violent crime events, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation.
Carlos Rafael Rosario-Morales is charged with carjacking resulting in death. On August 6, 2019, the defendant, with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, took a 2017 white Ford Transit that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce, by force, violence, and intimidation, and in so doing murdered Uber Eats driver Carlos Gilberto Ponce-Fernández.
According to the investigation, on August 6, the victim was exiting a fast food restaurant in Santurce, PR after having picked up food. As he walked to his vehicle, the defendant approached him, brandished a knife, and demanded Ponce-Fernández hand him the keys to his vehicle, but the victim refused to do so, and they engaged in a physical struggle. During the struggle, Rosario-Morales stabbed Ponce-Fernández multiple times, causing his death.
On August 7, 2019, police officers arrested Rosario-Morales while entering the Ford Transit he had violently stolen the day prior. At the time of the arrest, Rosario-Morales had a knife in his waistband.
In a separate case, defendant Héctor L. Maldonado-Sierra is charged in a two-count indictment with carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On July 26, 2019, the defendant, aided and abetted by others, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and possessing and brandishing a firearm, took a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce, from the person and in the presence of an adult male and an adult female, by force, violence, and intimidation, and in so doing caused serious bodily injury to the female victim in committing a sexual act.
“We are aware that there is concern about the number of carjackings reported in the last month. The mission of all Puerto Rico law enforcement agencies, both state and federal, is to ensure that we all feel safe in our streets, homes and neighborhoods. All law enforcement agencies are working together to prevent and solve these crimes, and to apprehend those who are a threat to our communities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the PRPD agents, the FBI agents, and the prosecutors for their excellent work in bringing these defendants to justice.”
“The FBI and our partners have never been more determined to investigate any violent robbery to its ultimate consequences. Those youths, who are unable to say no to committing violence against others, should give it some serious consideration, because otherwise they will very likely spend a large part of their adult lives in prison,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Puerto Rico.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum. The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation. If convicted, Carlos Rafael Rosario-Morales faces up to life in prison and is eligible for the death penalty; Héctor L. Maldonado-Sierra faces up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former Federal Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to 108 Months for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, August 5, 2019, Honorable Judge Pedro Delgado sentenced 59-year-old Alfredo Maysonet-Galarza to 108 months of imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing and possessing child pornography material involving prepubescent minors, announced US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Maysonet-Galarza was a former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agent at the time of his arrest in 2016.
The investigation revealed that in May of 2015, the IP address assigned to Alfredo Maysonet-Galarza’s residence shared child pornography. A subsequent search warrant for his residence and electronic devices found more than 1,000 videos of child pornography hidden under several subfolders on Maysonet-Galarza’s computers and hard drives.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will investigate and prosecute those who commit crimes against our children no matter who they are or where they are employed,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, apprehend, and prosecute anyone who sexually exploits children and deprives them of their innocence.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Doctor Indicted and Arrested for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 31, 2019, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Dr. Antonio REYES-VIZCARRONDO with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of health care fraud. The defendant was arrested today, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. The Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are in charge of the investigation.
According to the indictment, from in or about 2008 to through in or about 2015, Dr. Antonio REYES-VIZCARRONDO enriched himself by submitting or causing to be submitted false and fraudulent claims to health care benefits programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. The claims submitted by REYES-VIZCARRONDO were for services using procedural codes that he was aware he could not use pursuant to the contractual terms of his employment, services rendered that were, in fact, rendered by other physicians. Defendant concealed the submission of these false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit plans and the receipt and transfer of the resulting fraudulent proceeds, and diverted these fraudulently obtained proceeds for his personal use and benefit.
Dr. REYES-VIZCARRONDO submitted and/or caused to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid a total of 8,159 claims using prohibited medical codes, including prohibited codes for services not rendered, totaling $882,608.91. Dr. REYES-VIZCARRONDO is facing a health care fraud forfeiture allegation of $601,783.47, which constitutes the amount of money Medicare and Medicaid paid the defendant.
“The submission of false claims to health care benefit programs is unacceptable and a waste of taxpayer funds,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodriguez- Vélez. “Today’s arrest shows the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners’ firm commitment to protect public funds and to safeguard the well-being of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.”
Pursuant to the charges, the defendant faces possible sentences of up to 10 years for the health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. This case was investigated by HHS-OIG and the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eight Individuals Indicted for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On July 24 and 26, 2019, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned six separate indictments charging eight (8) individuals with fraud against the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Puerto Rico, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. These cases were investigated by the Social Security Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) with the collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG); Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA); Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (VA-OIG); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and the Police of Puerto Rico.
The SSA is responsible for the implementation of the Disability Insurance Benefits Program. The SSA provides monetary benefits to workers with severe, long-term disabilities, who have worked in SSA-covered employment for a required length of time. Spouses and dependent children of disabled workers may also be eligible to receive benefits. Pursuant to SSA regulations, a claimant must prove to SSA that he or she is disabled by furnishing medical and other evidence with the application. The application and supporting evidence is evaluated by SSA to determine the individual’s medical impairments and the effect of the impairment on the claimant’s ability to work on a sustained basis.
Three indictments charged four individuals with theft of government property, health care fraud, concealment, or failure to disclose work activity to SSA, and false statements or representations to the SSA. These defendants knowingly and willfully embezzled, stole, and converted to their own use the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit payments to which the defendants knew that they were not entitled.
The defendants charged with accepting by fraud the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit payments, knowing that they were not entitled to the same, are: Brunilda Rodríguez-Reyes and her son, Gerardo O. Navedo-Rodríguez, who received $156,616.50 from SSA, and fraudulently caused Medicare to pay approximately $55,151.51; Lalin Mercado-Vargas who received $168,854.90 from SSA and fraudulently caused Medicare to pay him approximately $77,780.78; and Ramón Julbe-Rosa (Julbe-Rosa), who received $79,369.00 from SSA and fraudulently caused Medicare to pay him $47,002.10.
Defendant Julbe-Rosa is also facing one count of fraud against the Department of Veterans Affairs for fraudulently receiving unemployability benefits, and one count of Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits related to Hurricane María. Julbe-Rosa applied for an SBA Disaster Loan by falsely representing that on September 20, 2017, his primary residence, damaged by Hurricane Maria was located in Morovis, Puerto Rico when he well knew that this was not his primary residence. As a result, the defendant fraudulently received $50,000.00 from SBA. Julbe-Rosa was also charged with his wife Ena I. Octaviani with Introduction into Interstate Commerce of Unapproved New Drugs. Defendant Julbe-Rosa established and operated the website www.acietedeguanabana.com through which he promoted and sold various products intended as treatments for serious medical conditions without FDA approval. Defendant Julbe-Rosa sold at least $341,242.26 worth of unapproved new drugs. Defendant Ena I. Octaviani-Santana was charged in this same indictment with aiding and abetting Julbe-Rosa to submit false information to SSA.
Defendant Carlos Del Valle-Figueroa was charged with distribution of controlled substances, theft of government property, concealment, or failure to disclose work activity to SSA, and false statements or representations to the SSA. Del Valle-Figueroa fraudulently received $33,222.00 from SSA.
Defendant Johana Torres-Figueroa was charged with making false statements to SSA, aggravated identity theft, and fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Between October 11, 2017, and continuing through January 2, 2018, Torres-Figueroa falsely and fraudulently applied for FEMA benefits on behalf of an elderly victim (M.G.O.), although the defendant knew that she was not the caregiver with authorization to request assistance on behalf of the elderly victim. As a result of this fraudulent scheme, Johana Torres-Figueroa received $500.00 for Critical Needs Assistance; $869.65 for Home Repair Assistance; $3,807.66 for Personal Property Assistance; and $748.00 for Rental Assistance, for a total of $5,925.31.
In another indictment, David Arocho-Castro (son of C.C.R) was charged with theft of government property. After C.C.R died on December 21, 2011, David Arocho-Castro failed to notify SSA about her death and used the money that his mother received from the SSA, benefits to which he knew he was not entitled. As a result of this scheme, between January 3, 2012, and continuing through December 3, 2018, David Arocho-Castro stole from SSA approximately $31,392.00.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Federal Law Enforcement partners remain vigilant in our quest to identify those corrupt individuals who by deceit and fraud attempt to illegally benefit from federal funds depriving other law abiding citizens from much needed health benefits, disability and emergency assistance. We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring to justice unscrupulous individuals who illegally seek personal financial gain,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.”
“Today’s arrests are the latest in our continued and ongoing effort to bring to justice all individuals who commit Social Security Fraud, said SSA-OIG, Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso. “I am very grateful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners involved in these investigations, and for the continued commitment from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to aggressively pursue these important cases. I strongly encourage the public to report suspected instances of Social Security fraud to our dedicated Fraud Hotline at 1-855-278-5982 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report.”
“The FBI appreciates the outstanding work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, Health & Human Services, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and remains confident the we and our partners have the capacity to address any fraud scheme that threatens those who are in real need of these benefits, especially the elderly and the children,” said Judith Priegues-Lopez, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office. “As always, we encourage anyone who has information on this fraud and any other fraud schemes to come forward. We are available 24 hours a day at 787-754-6000 and https://www.fbi.gov/tips”.
“The FDA’s drug approval process ensures that patients receive safe and effective products. Evading the FDA’s authority and selling unapproved drugs to vulnerable consumers will not be tolerated,” said Justin C. Fielder, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “The FDA remains fully committed to aggressively pursuing those who place profits above the health and safety of American consumers.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodríguez is in charge of the prosecution of these cases. If convicted, the defendants charged with SSA fraud could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; the defendant charged with Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster (Hurricane María) or Emergency Benefits faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison; and the defendant charged with health care fraud faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. All defendants are subject to a fine of up to $250,000.00. The indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims, and to be especially cautious of anyone who contacts you seeking personal identifying information or financial information. Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or who believe that they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.
The United States Concludes Prosecution of the Ñeta Prison GangRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, the United States successfully concluded its third trial against the top leaders and enforcers of La Asociación ÑETA prison gang in Puerto Rico. The three RICO trials resulted in the conviction of 14 ÑETA members to include the organization’s supreme leader and his main lieutenants and assassins. In total, the prosecution of La Asociación ÑETA resulted in the conviction of over 40 of the gang’s most important members.
The United States’ prosecution of La Asociación ÑETA began in the year 2016 when a federal grand jury issued an indictment charging over 40 members of this group for conspiring to violate the RICO Act, drug trafficking, and murder in aid of racketeering. La Asociación ÑETA was a criminal organization that engaged in drug trafficking and murder in the prisons of the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (“PRDCR”). The main purpose of the organization was to make money. Originally, inmates formed La Asociación ÑETA as a means to advocate for the rights of inmates of the PRDCR. The enterprise, however, evolved into a criminal organization that engaged in drug trafficking and murder within the prisons of the PRDCR.
The enterprise made money from introducing and distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and heroin into the PRDCR prisons for profit and engaging in murders for hire. They introduced drugs into the prisons with the help of corrupt PRDCR correctional officers, civilians that worked inside of the prison system, people who visited inmates, and persons that from outside the prisons, threw drugs into the facilities (known as “pitcheos”), which were caught by members of the enterprise. In addition, members of the enterprise and their associates introduced cellular telephones into the prisons and charged a fee to other inmates for using the same. Members of the enterprise would use cellular phones to engage in drug trafficking and murder. Specifically, people outside of prison hired La Asociación ÑETA to kill persons who were incarcerated in the prisons of the PRDCR. Murders perpetrated by the organization included that of Mario Montañez-Gómez, a.k.a. “Emme” on August 27, 2014, and Alexis Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Alexis El Loco” on November 6, 2014.
The convicted defendants included the leadership of the enterprise, its drug trafficking network, corrupt PRDCR correctional officers, and the members that perpetrated murder in furtherance of the enterprise. The ÑETA prosecution disrupted and decimated the gang. As a result, the United States helped clean up the PRDCR by ridding it of corrupt officials and holding accountable those responsible for introducing drugs and murdering others in prison for profit.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the Assistant US Attorneys and support staff who worked so hard in the investigation and prosecution of this violent gang, the FBI, and the Department of Corrections agents and officials who participated in this substantial investigation which after three years resulted in today’s convictions,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The success of this operation shows the continued teamwork of federal law enforcement and our state and local partners to reduce gang violence inside the prisons in Puerto Rico.”
“This prison cartel, which specialized in murder, assault, and drug trafficking, was as dangerous, and as sophisticated, as any organized crime network in modern history. Today’s verdicts represent a major milestone in federal law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute violent crime, regardless of where it takes place,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández led the prosecution of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Alum and Scott Anderson were co-counsel at trial. The Federal Bureau of Investigation worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico in the investigation.
As a result of the ÑETA prosecution the following defendants are serving sentences that go up to life imprisonment: Fernando García-Marquez, a.k.a. “Fernan Sandwich/Emparedado/ Fernan/Carlos Vega;” Cynthia González-Landrau, a.k.a. “La Cana/La Princesa/La Presidenta;” Rolando Millán-Machuca, a.k.a. “Rolo;” Miguel Rivera-Calcaño, a.k.a. “Guelo/ Kikirimiau;” Roberto Casado-Berríos, a.k.a. “Bobe/Bobel;” Iván Ayala-Hernández, a.k.a. “Bambani/Bambo;” Giordano Santana-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Viejo Ten;” Carlos Báez-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Carlitos Guaynabo;” José Trinidad-Jorge, a.k.a. “Trini;” Ángel Bermúdez-Cartagena, a.k.a. “Apache/El Doctor;” José Cintrón-Mojica, a.k.a. “Jowito;” Victor Solano-Moreta, a.k.a. “Caballo;” José Castoire-Sánchez; Luis Ayuso-Walker, a.k.a. “Buringo;” Juan Lozada-Delgado, a.k.a. “Chino San Lorenzo;” Billy Andino-De Jesús, a.k.a. “Billy Cupey/Billy El Calvo;” Luis Rojas-Llanos, a.k.a. “Cachorro/Kchorro;” George Torres-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Gordo Comerio;” José L. Nieves-Torres; Orlando Ruiz-Acevedo, a.k.a. “Gordo Ponce;” Raul D. Rosario-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Davi/Davo;” Juan R. Cruz-Santana, a.k.a. “Roldán;” José Marrero-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Tito San José;” Ramón Morales-Sáez, a.k.a. “Moncho/Monchi;” Carlos Santiago-Rivera, a.k.a. “Black/Blacky/El Negro;” José Díaz-López, a.k.a. “Culo De Pollo;” Jesús P. O’neill-Gómez, a.k.a. “Pastor;” Ángel I. Díaz-Santiago; and Pedro Fontanez-Pérez.
The following defendants were likewise convicted and are awaiting their sentence: Avelino Millán-Machuca, a.k.a. “Papito Machuca/El Fuerte/Viejo/Gordo;” Aníbal Miranda-Montañez, a.k.a. “Jowy;” Freddie Sánchez-Martínez, a.k.a. “Casco;” Ángel Cruz-Barrientos, a.k.a. “Diego/Cloche;” Alex Miguel Cruz-Santos, a.k.a. “Alex Cuquito;” José J. Folch-Colón, a.k.a. “Joel Folch/Gordo Folch;” Juan J. Claudio-Morales, a.k.a. “Claudio Canales/Claudio El Gordo;” Eduardo Rosario-Orangel, a.k.a. “Barba/Cholón;” Luis H. Quiñonez-Santiago, a.k.a. “Hiram;” Augusto Christopher-Lind, a.k.a. “Bengie Loiza;” Luis D. Ramos-Báez, a.k.a. “Danny Power;” David González-De León, a.k.a. “Bebe Cupey;” Osvaldo Torres-Santiago, a.k.a. “Bombilla/Baldo/Baldito;” José Velázquez-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Batata;” Roberto Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Matatan;” José Sánchez-Laureano, a.k.a. “Veterano;” José González-Gerena, a.k.a. “Perpetua;” Andrés Del Valle-Ortega, a.k.a. “Randy/Andy Caimito;” and José R. Andino-Morales, a.k.a. “Gladiola.”
Individual Arrested for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López authorized a criminal complaint against 33 year-old Marcos A. Rivera-Ramos, charging him with production of child pornography, transfer of obscene material to a minor, coercion and enticement, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the arrest.
According to the criminal complaint, on February 2019, the parents of a female minor reported to the FBI that their 15 year-old daughter had received at least one image of an adult male’s penis on her cell phone through the Snapchat application. The female minor told her parents that Marcos A. Rivera-Ramos, an adult who they knew through the church they attend to, and where the defendant serves as an usher, had sent the picture of his penis to her.
According to the investigation, the defendant and the minor were communicating for over one year through Snapchat and WhatsApp. The defendant asked the minor to send him sexually explicit photos and videos and he sent her pictures of his penis.
“Individuals who would take advantage of modern technology to entice and exploit minors deserve special investigative and prosecutorial attention,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Child sexual exploitation is an alarming problem in our society. We are committed to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute these predators to the full extent of the law.”
“Protecting our children from these terrifying and dangerous threats is among the most important work that the FBI does, and we will continue to make every effort to catch anyone involved in this type of conduct,” stated Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Puerto Rico.
FBI encourages the public to call (787) 754-6000 to report any information that may lead to the identification and rescue of additional victims regarding this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ginette Milanes is prosecuting the case. If convicted defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ incarceration up to a maximum term of 30 years. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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14 Individuals Charged with Firearms Violations and Drug Trafficking in Manatí, Puerto Rico, in Project Safe Neighborhoods Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 17, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 14 defendants charged with firearms violations and drug trafficking, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations is in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Arecibo Strike Force, and the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The indictment alleges that between on or about May and November 2018, the organization distributed cocaine, crack, heroin, and marihuana, all within the real property comprising the Villa Evangelina Public Housing Project located in the Municipality of Manatí, Puerto Rico. The 14 defendants are facing one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, aiding and abetting.
The defendants are: Luis Ortega-Lugo, a.k.a. “Chembo”; Jeyro Ayala-Crespo, a.k.a. “Jero”; José Tobar-Otero, a.k.a. “Joe El Visco”; Josué Arroyo-Ayala, a.k.a. “Deiby Arroyo/George”; Jessie Rodríguez-Lugo, a.k.a. “Chiky”; Xavier Rivera-Santiago, a.k.a. “Payco”; José Antonio Flores-Torres, a.k.a. “Chory”; Adalberto Quiles-Negrón, a.k.a. “El Berto”; Luis Esteban Alonso-Rivera, a.k.a. “El Mellao”; Juan Laureano-Miranda, a.k.a. “Juanchy”; Kelvin Rivera-Morales; Jan Paul Quiñonez-Mujica, a.k.a. “Menor”; Xavier Robles, a.k.a. “Vampi”; and Jeremi Torres-Rosario.
The following defendants are each facing one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (felon): Luis Ortega-Lugo, José Tobar-Otero, Josué Arroyo-Ayala, Jessie Rodríguez-Lugo, Xavier Rivera-Santiago, José Antonio Flores-Torres, Adalberto Quiles-Negrón, and Luis Esteban Alonso-Rivera. These individuals, knowing they had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, in several dates, knowingly possessed firearms of various makes and models; said firearms having been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Henek and Richard T. Passanisi are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 5 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
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Federal Law Enforcement Responds to Violent Acts in Old San Juan During ProtestsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are working together with our local partners to investigate the violent acts that transpired last night in Old San Juan.
“We emphasize that peaceful demonstrations are an exercise of the fundamental rights of citizens, but violent acts and destruction of property have no part of a peaceful demonstration, and will not to be tolerated. We are disheartened by the violence that some groups have taken and we will investigate and prosecute anyone who has violated federal law, to the fullest extent of the law,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and will act immediately, as we have done in other situations when peaceful demonstrations have turned violent.”
“The FBI recognizes the public’s first amendment right to protest in a peaceful manner. Nonetheless, the FBI will actively investigate any acts of violence that fall under our jurisdiction and constitute federal crimes in coordination with our law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s office,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
“The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives stands with all of our local, state, and federal government partners in Puerto Rico, and will aggressively pursue all violations of law that fall within our jurisdiction,” said Ari C. Shapira, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“The right to manifest itself as an exercise of freedom of expression is an inalienable right that has to be respected as long as this exercise does not violate the rights of others,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. “HSI, along with the other law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico, will be vigilant and will not tolerate violations of federal statutes.”
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Agencias De Órden Público Federal Responden A Los Actos Violentos Durante Las Protestas En El Viejo San JuanRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - La Fiscalía Federal, el Buró de Investigaciones Federales (FBI), la Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF), la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Interna del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE HSI) y la Administración de Control de Drogas (DEA) están trabajando junto con nuestros compañeros locales para investigar los actos violentos que ocurrieron anoche en el Viejo San Juan.
“Hacemos hincapié en que las manifestaciones pacíficas son un ejercicio de los derechos fundamentales de los ciudadanos, pero los actos violentos y la destrucción de propiedad no forman parte de una manifestación pacífica y no serán tolerados. Estamos desalentados por la violencia que algunos grupos han manifestado, investigaremos y enjuiciaremos a cualquier persona que haya violado la ley federal, con todo el peso de la ley”, dijo Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico. “Seguimos vigilando la situación y actuaremos de inmediato, como lo hemos hecho en otras situaciones en que las manifestaciones pacíficas se han tornado violentas”.
“El FBI reconoce el derecho de la primera enmienda del público a protestar de manera pacífica. No obstante, el FBI investigará activamente cualquier acto de violencia que esté bajo nuestra jurisdicción y constituirá un delito federal en coordinación con nuestros compañeros encargados de hacer cumplir la ley y la oficina de Fiscalía Federal”, dijo Douglas A. Leff, Agente Especial a Cargo del FBI.
“La Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos se encuentra con todos nuestros compañeros locales, estatales y federales en Puerto Rico, e investigará agresivamente todas las violaciones de la ley que estén dentro de nuestra jurisdicción”, dijo Ari C. Shapira, Agente Especial a Cargo de ATF.
“El derecho a manifestarse como ejercicio de la libertad de expresión es un derecho inalienable que tiene que ser respetado siempre y cuando este ejercicio no viole los derechos de los demás,” dijo Ivan J. Arvelo, Agente Especial a Cargo de HSI San Juan. “HSI, junto a las demás agencias del orden público en Puerto Rico, estaremos vigilantes y no toleraremos violaciones a estatutos federales.”
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Former Secretary of Puerto Rico Department of Education and Former Executive Director of Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration Indicted with Four Others for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Theft of Government Funds, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Julia Beatrice Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (“PR DOE”), Ángela Ávila-Marrero, former Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (“ASES”), Alberto Velázquez-Piñol, Fernando Scherrer-Caillet, Glenda Ponce-Mendoza, and Mayra Ponce-Mendoza have been indicted and arrested for their participation in a conspiracy to steal and convert federal funds involving fraudulently obtained contracts from the PR DOE and ASES, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation with the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The indictment returned yesterday, July 9, 2019, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 32 counts against the following individuals:
- Julia Beatrice Keleher (“Keleher”), the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PR DOE) from January 2017 until April 2019;
- Ángela Ávila-Marrero (“Ávila-Marrero”), the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration, from February 2017 until June 25, 2019;
- Alberto Velázquez-Piñol (“Velázquez-Piñol”), President of Azur, L.L.C. (“Azur”);
- Fernando Scherrer-Caillet (“Scherrer-Caillet”), managing partner of BDO, Puerto Rico, P.S.C.;
- Glenda E. Ponce-Mendoza, Special Assistant to PR DOE Secretary Keleher;
- Mayra Ponce-Mendoza, owner of Colón & Ponce, Inc., and sister of defendant Glenda E. Ponce-Mendoza.
The indictment alleges that the defendants used Keleher’s and Ávila-Marrero’s positions as Secretary of PR DOE and Executive Director of ASES, respectively, to benefit and enrich themselves and defraud the United States as follows:
- Count 1 of the Indictment charges a wire fraud conspiracy. The purpose of the conspiracy was to steer contracts between the PR DOE and Colón & Ponce, a company owned by Mayra Ponce Mendoza. This was accomplished through a corrupted bidding process pursuant to a Request for Proposal (“RFP”), wherein Colón & Ponce was provided with a competitive advantage over other bidders based in part, on the close relationship between Keleher, Glenda Ponce-Mendoza, and her sister Mayra Ponce-Mendoza. Despite being unqualified under the terms of the RFP, Colón & Ponce was awarded a $43,500 contract, which was later increased to $95,000. The increased amount was used to pay in part the salary of one of Keleher’s special assistants. Keleher pressured a PR DOE official identified as Individual B in the indictment to execute the Colón & Ponce contract on behalf of PR DOE. Counts 2 through 11 list the wire communications transmitted by Keleher and the Ponce-Mendoza sisters in order to perpetrate the scheme set forth in Count 1.
- Count 12 of the Indictment charges Keleher, Velázquez-Piñol, and Scherrer-Caillet with conspiring to violate 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft and conversion of government money and property in excess of $1,000). The conspiracy and scheme to defraud involved federal funds paid by PR DOE to BDO for several contracts totaling over $13 million from January 2017 until April 2019. Despite express prohibitions in said contracts, BDO subcontracted other companies to perform the services, and paid Velázquez-Piñol, through his company Azur, a 10% commission for the contracts awarded through Velázquez-Piñol’s influence with government officials. By paying unauthorized commissions, the cost of government contracts was unnecessarily inflated and increased. Velázquez-Piñol, through Azur, received approximately $219,059 in commissions from BDO for the PR DOE contracts it was awarded. Counts 13 through 18 list the wire communications transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, all in furtherance of the conspiracy, scheme to defraud, and the theft of federal funds.
- Count 19 charges Ávila-Marrero, Velázquez-Piñol, and Scherrer-Caillet with conspiring to violate 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft and conversion of government money and property in excess of $1,000). The conspiracy and scheme to defraud involved federal funds paid by ASES to BDO for several contracts totaling $2.5 million during the period between January 2017 and June 2019. Ávila-Marrero provided internal ASES information on several contracts to Velázquez-Piñol. BDO and other companies used this internal information, provided by Velázquez-Piñol, to submit proposals to ASES, and replace the existing contracts. During ASES board meetings, Ávila-Marrero recommended the cancellation of the contracts and the award of replacement contracts to BDO and another company represented by Velázquez-Piñol. Despite express prohibitions in said contracts, BDO subcontracted other companies to provide the services, and paid Velázquez-Piñol, through his company Azur, a 10% commission for the contracts awarded through Velázquez-Piñol’s influence with government officials. By paying unauthorized commissions, the cost of government contracts was unnecessarily inflated and increased. Velázquez-Piñol received approximately $710,000 in payments from BDO for the ASES contracts it was awarded. Counts 20 through 25 list the wire communications transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, all in furtherance of the conspiracy, scheme to defraud, and the theft of federal funds.
The indictment also includes a money laundering conspiracy charge against Velázquez-Piñol and Scherrer-Caillet, and six substantive money laundering counts against Velázquez-Piñol.
“Public corruption continues to erode the trust between government officials and our citizens. Defendants Keleher and Ávila-Marrero exploited their government positions and fraudulently awarded contracts funded with federal monies. The greed of the private individuals charged along with these former government officials, resulted in inflated government contracts which deprived our citizens of much needed education and health services,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Government officials are entrusted with performing their duties honestly and ethically. The charged offenses are reprehensible, more so in light of Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis.”
“Yesterday’s indictment alleges that these individuals were involved in a public corruption campaign and profited at the expense of Puerto Rico’s children. That is completely unacceptable,” said Neil E. Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southern Regional Office. “OIG Special Agents will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our nation’s students. America’s students, their families, and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
“The illegal granting of contracts paid with monies from the Medicaid program is unacceptable. The Medicaid program is intended to provide health care benefits to low-income individuals and families, and any improper use of these funds will jeopardize its future availability. HHS-OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves from Medicaid funds,” said Scott Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG New York Regional Office.
“Today’s efforts are the result of true team work. Thanks to the admirable dedication of our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Inspectors General for both the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, new schemes have been uncovered, along with attempts to hide the proceeds of those schemes. Moving forward with the help of our local partners, the FBI will continue to make apprehending and exposing those who would do harm to the People of Puerto Rico our top priority,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Capó-Iriarte and Marie Christine Amy. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to 10 years for conspiracy and theft of government funds, and up to 20 years for wire fraud and money laundering. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Banco Popular Employee Indicted and Arrested for Obstruction of Justice and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Monday, June 24, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Juan Carlos Díaz-Rodríguez with obstruction of a criminal investigation and making false statements, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
According to the allegations in the indictment, on or about September 20, 2018, defendant Juan Carlos Díaz-Rodríguez, an employee of a financial institution, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, notified Individual A and others, about the existence of, and contents of, a Federal grand jury subpoena for customer records of that financial institution. The subpoena served on Banco Popular de Puerto Rico related to possible crimes involving violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957 (money laundering). Defendant Díaz-Rodríguez acted with intent to obstruct a judicial proceeding.
On or about June 5, 2019, Díaz-Rodríguez did willfully and knowingly make a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. During a voluntary interview, Díaz-Rodríguez told Special Agents of the FBI that he did not take a photograph of a Federal grand jury subpoena regarding bank records belonging to Individual B and that he, the defendant, did not send a photograph of said Grand Jury Subpoena to anyone.
The statement and representation were false because Díaz-Rodríguez then and there knew that he did take a photograph of the Grand Jury Subpoena, and that he did send a message to Individual A containing a photograph of the Grand Jury Subpoena.
“As we forewarned on April 5 of 2019, this indictment is the result of the federal investigation into the unlawful disclosure of a grand jury subpoena to the press. Grand Jury information is secret for several reasons, to protect the confidentiality of federal investigations and the due process rights of individuals being investigated. The actions taken by this defendant undermine the public’s trust in the integrity of federal investigations and they carry severe consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division stated: “The FBI wants the public to know that interfering with a Grand Jury investigation, be it by leaking confidential information or by lying to Federal Agents or both, is a serious offense that constitutes Obstruction of Justice. Puerto Rico deserves better and this behavior will not be tolerated.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys José Capó-Iriarte and Marie Christine Amy. The defendant is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. An indictment is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Deputy Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Puerto Rico was one of 172 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell, IV at the 35th Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Puerto Rico was one of 31 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen addressed the recipients and guests, saying, “Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded.
In his remarks, EOUSA Director James Crowell told the recipients, “The Department of Justice is in truth a deployed force. Your work isn’t easy, but it is vital to the functioning and enduring nature of our democracy. As federal prosecutors, we are held to a higher standard, a standard that requires us to ensure that we uphold the rule of law and the fundamental rules of fairness in every trial, every settlement, every plea, and every legal argument in which we are involved.”
Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, District of Puerto Rico, is recognized for his outstanding supervisory and managerial leadership as Chief of the Civil Division. As Civil Chief since 2014, Mr. Ramírez has implemented outstanding strategies to develop a successful and emerging ACE Unit and to integrate the work of the Civil Division Staff with the Criminal Division. In 2015, the EARS Evaluation Team gave excellent reviews for Mr. Ramirez’s management of the Civil Division. Mr. Ramirez’s exceptional efforts have instilled a spirit of cooperation among the different components of the office and have served to highlight the important work performed by employees in the Civil Division.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with EOUSA’s recognition of the leadership and managerial skills of AUSA Ramírez. We take this opportunity to congratulate him and his Civil Division team on all their accomplishments,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
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Individual Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy Against the United States to Provide KickbacksRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– On June 11, 2019, Leonardo Lebrón-Torres, president of Dynamic Solar Solutions, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Puerto Rico, was indicted for conspiracy against the United States to provide kickbacks, and six substantive charges for providing kickbacks, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico.
The agencies in charge of the investigation of the case are: Naval Criminal Investigative Service; US Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General; Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to the indictment, defendant Lebrón-Torres, and two individuals identified as B.P. and J.P., and others known and unknown to the grand jury, conspired to commit offenses against the United States, specifically, by the president of Dynamic Solar Solutions, Inc., a company holding subcontracts associated with a prime contract with the United States, knowingly and willfully provided kickbacks, that is, money and compensation of any kind to J.P. for B.P., which were provided for the purpose of improperly obtaining and rewarding favorable treatment in connection with four subcontracts associated with the United States of America.
B.P. was a Senior Project Manager for a private company known in the Indictment as “Prime Contractor.” This company subcontracted Dynamic Solar Solutions, Inc. It was B.P. who negotiated subcontract agreements between his company and the various subcontractors, including Dynamic Solar Solutions Inc., for the Energy Savings Performance Contracts that federal agencies awarded to B.P.’s company.
Defendant Lebrón-Torres knew that he was not permitted to offer gratuities or kickbacks in connection with Energy Savings Performance Contracts in order to obtain favorable treatment with respect to contracts awarded by various government agencies to B.P.. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the defendant paid B.P. and J.P. in several checks totaling approximately $422,080. The defendant is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Hobbs Act, Carjacking Murder, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On June 11, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against four individuals for interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), carjacking murder, carrying and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence that resulted in death, and theft of firearms, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that on April 1, 2019, in the District of Puerto Rico, Ángel David López-Zayas, a.k.a. “Pancho;” Ricardo Pérez, a.k.a. “Bam Bam;” Freddie Ramos-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Fredito;” and Jadier Joaquín Torres-Rijos, a.k.a. “Castier/Kastier”, aiding and abetting each other, conspired to interfere with commerce by robbery; that is, they agreed to take U.S. currency representing assets of victim A.R.M.’s commercial businesses and destined to further A.R.M.’s commercial activities, from his presence at his residence, against his will, by means of force, violence, and fear of injury.
During the robbery, the defendants stole two vehicles, a gray Honda Accord and a red Dodge Ram 2500 by force, violence, and intimidation. They discharged a firearm and killed A.R.M. The defendants also stole approximately six firearms from the residence of A.R.M., to wit, a .9mm caliber Ruger pistol, a .22 Smith and Wesson rifle, a .9mm Smith and Wesson pistol, a .45 caliber Glock pistol, a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun, and a 12-gauge pistol. All six firearms were legally owned by A.R.M.
“This violent home invasion in the town of San Lorenzo, which resulted in the murder of business owner A.R.M., stunned the community,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the PRPD and FBI agents, and the prosecutors for their excellent work in bringing these defendants to justice. We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The FBI’s Humacao Office and our partners at the Puerto Rico Police Department worked quickly to solve this tragic and vicious murder of a hard working businessman,” said FBI SAC Douglas Leff. “We thank Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued commitment to removing violent offenders from our streets and neighborhoods.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum. The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison and are eligible for the death penalty. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Carlos E. Reyes-Rosado, a.k.a. “Farruko” Sentenced to Probation for Bulk Cash Smuggling into the United StatesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Carlos E. Reyes-Rosado, a.k.a. “Farruko” was sentenced by United States Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí to three years’ probation, and ordered to forfeit $41,802.00, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Reyes-Rosado entered a straight plea on the two counts of the indictment on March 7, 2019.
On April 4, 2018, Reyes-Rosado was arrested for failure to declare the transportation of monetary instruments in excess of $10,000, and bulk cash smuggling into the United States. According to the indictment, on April 2, 2018, the defendant arrived at the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan from the Dominican Republic. The defendant completed a Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B) in which he declared he was not carrying currency or monetary instruments over $10,000.
During inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers, with a service canine, alerted positive on two suitcases to narcotics. Reyes-Rosado claimed ownership of both suitcases and the officers proceeded with further inspection. The CBP officers asked the defendant if he was carrying more than $10,000 and he said he was carrying bout $7,000, although he was not sure. Further inspection revealed currency concealed under the insoles of shoes inside the suitcases for a total of $51,802.
Based on the facts concerning the case, Reyes-Rosado was charged with intent to evade a currency reporting requirement under Title 31, United States Code, Section 5316, by knowingly concealing more than $10,000 in currency in a conveyance, article of luggage, merchandise, or other container, and transporting such currency from the Dominican Republic into Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney María L. Montañez-Concepción. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection.
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Identity Document Trafficker Pleaded Guilty for Conspiring to Sell Identity Documents to Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
A Honduran national pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to sell identity documents belonging to Puerto Rican U.S. citizens to individuals illegally residing in the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico, Acting Director Mark A. Morgan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement.
Jose Armando Pavon Salazar (Pavon), 37, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi of the District of Puerto Rico to one count of conspiracy to encourage an alien to reside in the United States for financial gain. Pavon was arrested in El Salvador in January 2018 and extradited to Puerto Rico on Nov. 28, 2018. Before his arrest and extradition, Pavon had been a fugitive since March 22, 2012, when a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Puerto Rico returned a 50-count superseding indictment charging Pavon and 52 other defendants with offenses involving a massive identity fraud scheme.
According to the admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Pavon and his co-conspirators participated in a scheme to encourage illegal aliens to reside in the United States for financial gain. To accomplish the scheme, Pavon and his co-conspirators sold government-issued identity documents, including Government of Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates and corresponding U.S. Social Security cards (“identity documents”). Pavon and his co-conspirators knew these documents pertained to real people. Pavon admitted that the documents were sold to illegal aliens so they could assume the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens, and/or fraudulently apply for other identity documents in that person’s name in order to reside in the United States.
According to the admissions made as part of the guilty plea, Pavon paid his supplier approximately $400 for the identify documents, consisting of a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Social Security card. The supplier would then use the U.S. mail to send the documents to Pavon. To date, dozens of persons have been convicted in connection with the scheme.
Pursuant to his plea agreement, Pavon agreed to be removed to Honduras upon release from incarceration. Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 10, 2019, before District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi.
Trial Attorney Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Puerto Rico is providing assistance in this matter. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter. The United States thanks the Government of El Salvador for its assistance in the extradition of Pavon.
Potential victims and the public may obtain information about the case at www.justice.gov/criminal/vns/caseup/beltrerj.html. Anyone who believes their identity may have been compromised in relation to this investigation or who may have information about particular crimes in this case should call the ICE toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or use its online tip form at www.ice.gov/tipline.
Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of identity theft, or wants information about preventing identity theft, may obtain helpful information and complaint forms on various government websites including the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Additional resources regarding identity theft can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/pubs/ID_theft/idtheft.html, www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html and www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=186436,00.html.
Two Contractors and One Puerto Rico Senate Employee Indicted and Arrested for A Scheme to DefraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Tuesday, May 28, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging three individuals with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 10 substantive counts of wire fraud, intentional misapplication of property by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Justice referred the case to the FBI, who is in charge of the federal investigation.
According to the allegations in the indictment, from in or about the year 2016 until June of 2018, defendants Chrystal Robles-Báez, Isoel Sánchez-Santiago, and Ángel Figueroa-Cruz engaged in scheme to defraud money and property from the government of Puerto Rico by means of materially false and fraudulent representations and promises. The defendants sought to accomplish their scheme to defraud by billing, approving and collecting for contractual professional services work that was either not completed, or was performed in contravention to the explicit terms of the contracts.
As alleged in the indictment, the defendants participated in lawful electoral campaign activities for candidates to elected offices during the 2016 Puerto Rico general elections. After the general elections in late 2016, the defendants began to explore employment opportunities with the Government of Puerto Rico, including contracts for professional services. On January 1, 2017, defendant Chrystal Robles-Báez incorporated Global Instant Consulting Group, Inc. (“GICG”). The purpose of the corporation was to provide administrative and political counseling, workshops and public relations, and consulting. On the same day, defendant Isoel Sánchez-Santiago incorporated International Legislative and Governmental Consulting Group, Inc. (ILGCG). The purpose of the corporation was to provide governmental administrative consulting, creation of proposals, offering of workshops, and legislative process and parliamentary procedures.
In the process of establishing the corporations, defendant Robles-Báez solicited through interstate wire communications necessary documentation from various departments, agencies, and dependencies of the Government of Puerto Rico, including but not limited to: (a) the Department of State; (b) the Treasury Department; and (c) the Police of Puerto Rico. Eventually, the defendants entered into professional services contracts with the Government of Puerto Rico. Specifically, the P.R. Senate and the P.R. House of Representatives.
According to the indictment, defendant Robles-Báez, on numerous occasions certified and requested payments indicating that she had attended the Office of Governmental Affairs to provide professional services as detailed in the two GICG contracts, when in fact on those days the defendant did not attend the Office of Governmental Affairs or provide professional services. Additionally, defendants Robles-Báez and Sánchez-Santiago utilized the personal identifying information of numerous individuals, without their knowledge or consent, in order to give the impression that defendant Robles-Báez, as an “Intergovernmental Coordinator” on behalf of GICG, had provided those individuals with professional services, when in fact no such services were ever requested by those individuals.
Furthermore, defendant Robles-Báez utilized the assistance, contacts, and services of defendant Sánchez-Santiago in order to fraudulently justify work allegedly completed under the GICG contracts. Defendant Ángel Figueroa-Cruz, who was the Executive Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs in the Puerto Rico Senate, falsely certified as correct, the information contained in the bills/invoices for payment submitted by defendant Robles-Báez as an “Intergovernmental Coordinator” on behalf of GICG in support of payment. Defendants Robles-Báez and Sánchez-Santiago divided the proceeds of the conspiracy and scheme to defraud.
“This is the first indictment charging the use of “ghost employees” to defraud the people of Puerto Rico. The defendants’ reprehensible conduct undermines the trust that the public places in our government,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “These individuals engaged in a scheme to defraud the people of Puerto Rico and unjustly enriched themselves. We will continue investigating and prosecuting this type of financial fraud to the full extent of the law.”
Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division said: “Through the Puerto Rico Secretary of Justice’s referral of this case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office diligent prosecution, it is now open season on apprehending all those responsible for this corrupt scheme to defraud the People of Puerto Rico. Those who perpetrated the scheme, as well as their family and friends who benefitted from it, can either cooperate quickly or they will receive one last gratuity from the federal government: A free ride in the back seat of an FBI squad car.”
“The Puerto Rico Department of Justice started this investigation, and our commitment to fight corruption along with federal authorities remains undeterred, no matter where it comes from. This case is an example of our joint efforts to identify and process anyone who unlawfully benefits from the government, abusing positions of trust and misusing public funds,” said Wanda Vázquez-Garced, Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.
The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Henwood and Senior Litigation Counsel Assistant US Attorney José Ruiz-Santiago. The case is being investigated by the FBI and was referred by the Puerto Rico Department of Justice. The defendants are facing a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. An indictment is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Former Olympic Athlete and Coach Found Guilty of Coercion/Enticement and Transportation of A Minor with the Intent of Committing A Criminal Sexual ActRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a three-day jury trial, Alexander Greaux-Gómez was found guilty of sexual enticement of a minor, and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa presided over the trial.
On February 9, 2017, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, working jointly with Puerto Rico Police Department’s Division of Sexual Crimes in Guayama, and prosecutors from the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, arrested Greaux-Gómez, former teacher and track and field coach of the Salinas’s specialized sports school, “Albergue Olímpico,” for sexual enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
On March 8, 2017 the defendant was indicted for production of child pornography, sexual enticement of a minor, and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. During the trial, the government’s evidence proved that the female minor first met the defendant in 7th grade when she went to train and attend boarding school at “Albergue Olímpico.” The defendant, a former Olympic athlete, took a special interest in the minor. This interest became personal and then eventually sexual in nature. The minor was 15 years old and the defendant was 39 when he began preying on her and convincing her to engage in sexual acts at the school, in his car, and at an abandoned home school he once operated.
The defendant also had strict rules he gave to the minor over WhatsApp about the secrecy of their relationship and would send extremely sexually graphic communications to her.
“This conviction shows the commitment of our state and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute child predators,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We entrust teachers to serve as role models for our children and safeguard their welfare. As this verdict makes clear, when that trust is violated, there will be severe consequences.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ginette Milanes. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2019 at 9:00 am.
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26 Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in Puerto Rico Project Safe Neighborhoods Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 20, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a seven-count indictment charging 26 defendants with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and with firearms violations, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Caguas Strike Force, are in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, Department of Public Safety. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2013, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real properties comprising the Lorenzana Public Housing Project and Roosevelt Ward located in the Municipality of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit.
The 26 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, runners, enforcers, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts. Twelve defendants are facing one charge of using and carrying firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking.
As part of the conspiracy members of the drug trafficking organization used force, violence and intimidation in order to maintain control of the drug trafficking operations, armed conspirators provided security to the drug point, and lookouts conducted surveillance at strategic locations within the public housing project to attempt to detect the presence of law enforcement personnel and/or members of rival gangs.
The defendants indicted and arrested today are: Juan Rafael Pedro-Vidal, a.k.a. “Bebe/Fito/Jincho”; Juan Luis Pedro-Vidal, a.k.a. “Pucho/Gordo/Barba”; Kelvyn Iván Borges-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Keke”; Christian De Jesús-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Puto”; Alexander Sánchez-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Alex Fo/Gárgola”; José René Ríos-Fuentes; Henry Calderón-Marín, a.k.a. “Jincho/Jinchito”; Alexander Cruz-Guzmán, a.k.a. “Pito”; Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “El Burro”; Luis Manuel Montñez-Ramos, a.k.a. “Wiso/Gordo”; Victor Manuel Moyett-Barbosa, a.k.a. “Victorino”; Radames Torres-Díaz; Miguel Ángel Rojas-Tamayo, a.k.a. “Mikey”; José Montañez-Ramos, a.k.a. “Chelo”; Samuel Enrique Rolón-Malavé, a.k.a. “Sammy”; José Martín Cruz-Guzmán, a.k.a. “Fresita”; Juan Carlos Pérez-Colón, a.k.a. “Budda”; Ángel Omar García-Córdova, a.k.a. “Kakito”; Rafael Enrique Marcano-Rodríguez; José Edgardo Cruz-Piñeiro, a.k.a. “Coco”; José Manuel Claudio-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Scorpion/Viejo”; Raúl Soto-Ramos, a.k.a. “Bobo”; William Rolón-Gómez, a.k.a. “Mascabi”; Emmanuel Neris-Rivera, a.k.a. “Chavito”; Ivelis Méndez-Gómez, a.k.a. “Ivy”; and Jostheline Figueroa, a.k.a. “Ñeca”.
“This indictment and the arrests this morning are a significant victory in our efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to dismantle these criminal organizations and to send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
“Today’s operation involved more than 400 law enforcement personnel, demonstrating that we and our partners will invest whatever resources are necessary when it comes to public safety. The operation succeeded thanks in large part to the efforts of the Puerto Rico Police Department, Strike Force Caguas, Puerto Rico Department of Corrections, San Juan Police Department, Hacienda, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Homeland Security Investigations; and as always, could not have gone forward without the tremendous work of the United States Attorney’s Office in preparing this case for prosecution,” stated Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division.
Today’s arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega and Jonathan Gottfried are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
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Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Alexis David Rivera-Castillo to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for sex trafficking of children, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Rivera-Castillo had plead guilty on February 11, 2019.
According to the Plea Agreement filed in February 2019, Alexis David Rivera-Castillo began an online conversation with an adult female in June 2018, on a social networking and dating application website. During their conversation, the adult female told to the defendant that she had two children ages 10 and 13. Defendant Rivera-Castillo requested to see the 10-year-old minor in underwear and have sexually explicit conduct with the minor and the adult female at a motel. Rivera-Castillo offered to give the adult female money and provide her with a car. After the adult female went to the FBI, an undercover agent posing as the adult female continued communications with Rivera-Castillo. During the communications, Rivera-Castillo coordinated to meet with the undercover agent and the minor at a motel on July 23, 2018. On that date, Rivera-Castillo arrived to the motel where he was arrested by the FBI.
“Justice was done. This sentence should serve to reassure the public that we are paying close attention to the well-being of our children, and that we will spare no expense to take child predators off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The criminal prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea. The FBI was in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood is an initiative of the Department of Justice aimed at preventing the abuse and exploitation of children by the use of digital cameras, computers and other digital and electronic media.
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Texas Man Indicted in Puerto Rico for Wire and Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On May 15, 2019, a Federal grand jury returned a 34-count indictment charging Gopalkrishna Pai, of Euless, Texas, and previously residing in Puerto Rico, with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, 19 counts of wire fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, and nine counts of money laundering, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and is ongoing.
The indictment alleges that from in or about May 2014, through in or about October 2018, defendant Gopalkrishna Pai conspired, devised, and engaged in a scheme to defraud merchant processors and others by submitting false information and falsified documentation to create merchant accounts in the name of Straw Companies, to process credit card and electronic payments, and to receive a substantial financial benefit. The fraudulent scheme employed by Gopalkrishna Pai disguised his involvement and use of over 100 companies formed to facilitate the processing of approximately $98 million in gross revenue in online retail sales.
As a part of the conspiracy, defendant Gopalkrishna Pai owned and operated F9 Advertising LLC (hereinafter F9), a for profit limited liability company organized in Puerto Rico in May 2014 and registered under the Export Services Act, Puerto Rico Act 20 of 2012. F9 engaged in the sale of personal care products, including skin creams, via the internet utilizing a negative option marketing model. Negative option marketing is a category of commercial transactions in which sellers interpret a customer’s failure to take an affirmative action, either to reject an offer or cancel an agreement, as assent to be charged for goods or services.
The defendant created over 100 liability companies (Straw Companies), obtained individual Employer ID Numbers (EINs) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for each Straw Company and opened individual commercial bank accounts under his control for each Straw Company. False documents were then created and submitted to merchant processers to create merchant accounts to process online sales, and to disguise Gopalkrishna Pai’s involvement.
The merchant processors are companies that provide services to other businesses to process electronic payments, including but not limited to credit card payments. These companies include: Humboldt Merchant Services (Humboldt); Paysafe Group Limited (Paysafe); Global Merchant Advisors (Global); and Merchant Payment Acceptance Corp. (PayKings).
The true owner and operator of the Straw Companies was disguised through the falsification of bank records and EIN tax documents and other information in order to prevent merchant processors and their related financial institutions from having knowledge of the true owner and operator, which was the defendant. Credit card and other payments processed by the merchant processors were paid to accounts in the name of the Straw Companies, controlled by the defendant, and transferred to F9.
As part of the scheme to defraud the merchant processors, the defendant exchanged email communications and internet transmissions via interstate wire to submit documents, including applications, containing materially false representations, and falsified documentation, which included real individuals’ personal identification information like names, social security numbers, and signatures.
This fraud scheme and conspiracy generated approximately $98 million in total revenue, processed based on materially false information, through the Merchant Processors in the names of the Straw Companies.
“This individual took advantage of Puerto Rico and Law 20 to create a company, F9 Advertising, to generate significant revenue through a fraudulent scheme based on lies and falsified documents,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The indictment underscores the USAO’s commitment to the investigation and prosecution of all types of fraud, and to our continued efforts to ensure that Puerto Rico is not a safe haven for criminal activity.”
“The mission of the FBI San Juan Financial Investigation Strike Team is to identify patterns of sophisticated money laundering, determine the criminal conduct behind those transactions, and to partner with financial crimes experts at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute those responsible,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office. “This case is an example of the successful use of financial intelligence to follow the money and to solve a series of crimes that might otherwise have gone undetected.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Erbe. If found guilty, the defendant is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment for each conspiracy and wire fraud count as well as a maximum two year term of imprisonment for each aggravated identity count and a maximum 10 years of imprisonment for each money laundering count. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Launch of Media Campaign to Prevent and Report Elder AbuseRead the Press Release
(San Juan, PR) - The US Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, the PR Department of Family Affairs, the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly and AARP Puerto Rico, have joined efforts to create a media campaign to educate the general public on the prevention and reporting of elder abuse.
The public service campaign called Abuse can NOT be ignored. Indifference is abuse seeks to raise awareness about the abuse of the elderly and its various forms, in addition to publicizing the hotline of the PR Department of Family Affairs to report cases of abuse or suspected abuse. The campaign also aims to create awareness that preventing and reporting elder abuse is everyone’s responsibility. The public is encouraged to provide confidential information to law enforcement authorities, both at the federal and state levels.
“This educational campaign is the result of the joint efforts of federal and state agencies, the private sector, AARP of Puerto Rico and local media outlets. We commend all those who collaborated to develop and launch this campaign. Preventing and reporting cases of elder abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Together we can protect our seniors against those who take advantage of them,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
“Prosecutors from the Department of Justice have filed 154 charges against individuals who committed mistreatment, neglect, threat, financial exploitation, or fraud against the elderly in the last year. We know there are more situations and we want all of them to be reported in order to process the offenders and protect the victims. We trust that this campaign will raise awareness so that cases are reported and, better yet, help prevent cases of abuse against elderly people from occurring,” said Secretary of Justice, Wanda Vázquez-Garced.
The Secretary of the PR Department of Family Affairs, Glorimar Andújar-Matos, indicated that there are many programs available to assist the elderly, among them: adult services, adult substitute care, auxiliary services at home, multiple activities for the elderly, protection services, prevention of mistreatment to elderly people and adults with disabilities, support and guidance programs for grandparents and grandmothers raising their grandchildren, and mentoring with adoptive grandparents.
“The abuse and neglect of our elders occurs more frequently than is reported. It can occur through an omission or an action that results in harm that endangers their well-being and safety. Situations such as physical or mental health conditions place them in a state of vulnerability that requires our immediate intervention. We encourage family members and the community to be alert and report any situation to the hotline available 24 hours a day, (787) 749-1333,” said Andújar-Matos.
José Acarón, state director of AARP PR said: “This initiative is urgently needed to raise awareness among all generations that you cannot attempt against the dignity of the elderly, or anyone. Older people have the right and power to make their decisions and live their lives without being coerced, minimized, or used for the benefit of others. Seniors are a social asset, not an ATM machine, nor are they owned by anyone, even if they are family.”
Doctor Carmen Delia Sánchez-Salgado, head of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly, indicated that the elderly population in Puerto Rico is subject to marginalization and prejudice, both actions that lead to isolation and indifference. Marginalized populations are exposed to vulnerability, often leading to abuse. The problem is not specifically marginality or exclusion towards our elder population, but the fact that our society allows it. We live in a society that becomes indifferent towards mistreatment and thereby facilitates it. On the other hand, despite the fact that most elderly people live in family settings, it is precisely within these scenarios that abuse and mistreatment towards them takes place. It is our citizens’ responsibility to report suspected abuse and acts of mistreatment towards this population.
We are thankful to the media outlets that will be providing Public Service during this campaign: GFR Media; WKAQ 580 AM; Uno Radio Group; WAPA Radio 680 AM; WIAC 740 AM; Radio Paz 810 AM and Radio Oro 92.5 FM; Radio Isla 1320 AM; SBS; WIPR 940 AM; and Allegro 91.3 FM.
The campaign Abuse can NOT be ignored. Indifference is abuse stems from the Elder Justice Initiative, a program implemented by the U.S. Department of Justice in its 94 districts nationwide. The interagency group in the District of Puerto Rico includes the following: US Attorney’s Office; PR Department of Justice; PR Department of Family Affairs; Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly; AARP Puerto Rico; FBI; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of Health, Office of the Inspector General; U.S. Housing Department, Office of the Inspector General; Social Security Administration; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of the U.S. Trustee; PR Department of Health; Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions; Public Corporation for Supervision and Insurance of Cooperatives of Puerto Rico (COSSEC); Office of the Insurance Commissioner; Administration of Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services (ASSMCA); Puerto Rico Bar Association; Association of Owners of Long-Term Care Centers; Puerto Rico Business Emergency Operations Center (PR-BEOC).
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Individual Sentenced to 56 Months in Prison for Defrauding the U.S. Army Reserve Recruiting Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Luis De Jesús-Negrón, former Army Reserve Recruiter was sentenced by United States District Judge Aida Delgado-Colón to serve 56 months in prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $19,000 to the US Army, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. De Jesús-Negrón was found guilty of twenty six counts on December 6, 2018 after an eight-day jury trial.
In 2007 United States Army Reserve established the Army Reserve Recruiting Assistance Program (AR-RAP) through a task order under a contract then existing between the National Guard Bureau and the corporation Document and Packaging Broker, Inc. (Docupak). The AR-RAP was a recruiting program designed to offer referral bonus payments to Reserve soldiers to recruit civilians to serve in the Army Reserve. The Program had two primary participants: (1) Recruiters: whose job it was to assist the Docupak subcontractors in enlisting new members into the Army Reserve; and (2) Recruiter Assistants, whose job it was to identify and assist recruit new potential members into the Army Reserve, and assist Recruiters with other related duties. Under the contract specifications of the Program, only Recruiter Assistants were eligible for recruiting referral bonuses.
Luis De Jesús-Negrón, a Recruiter for the Army Reserve at the time of the offenses, was found guilty in Count One of the Second Superseding Indictment of conspiring to intentionally steal and obtain by fraud property belonging to the United States, to wit: the AR-RAP bonus payments. To do so, De Jesús-Negrón and a co-conspirator would set up an online account on the Docupak administered website for the Program; without authorization, utilize the personal identifiying information of the potential Soldiers, given to a Recruiter or the co-conspirator, to create a profile for the potential Soldier in the online Program account of the Recruiter Assistant; make other false entries in the online Program account to make it appear that the potential Soldier had in fact been recruited by the Recruiter Assistant; apply for the Recruiting Program eligible bonuses based on these false misrepresentations; and when the bonuses were approved cause an interstate wire transfer for payment. In a separate scheme, De Jesús-Negrón was found guilty of obtaining money and property from Docupak by falsely representing himself to be another Army Reserve solider who was eligible to be a Recruiter Assistant under the Recruiting Program, so that Luis De Jesús-Negrón could receive referral bonus payments to which he was not entitled. Additional counts of conviction were for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
“This former military recruiter defrauded a program designed to enhance military recruitments at a time when qualified Soldiers were desperately needed perform America’s ongoing missions around the world,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “DCIS remains fully committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses to fraudulently enrich themselves and violate positions of trust. Today's conviction is a testament to our dedication in the fight against fraud and corruption affecting Department of Defense programs.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Myriam Y. Fernández-González.
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Two Individuals Found Guilty by A Jury for Carjacking Mother and Two Young Children at Gas Station in Broad DaylightRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, Eddie Guerrero-Narváez and Keyvan Cartagena-Suárez, were found guilty of working together to commit a carjacking against a mother and her two young children, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States Senior Judge Juan M. Pérez-Giménez presided over the trial.
On January 10, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Guerrero-Narváez with one-count of carjacking. After additional evidence was uncovered that placed Cartagena-Suárez at the scene of the crime, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding Cartagena-Suárez as a co-defendant.
During the 2-day trial, the government presented evidence that Guerrero-Narváez and Cartagena-Suárez worked together, in broad daylight, to carjack a BMW Sports Utility Vehicle from a mother, with her two young children in the backseat, at a Puma Gas station, located near the airport on Calle Los Angeles in Carolina, Puerto Rico. According to the testimony of the Victim, on January 3, 2018, Guerrero-Narváez came up to her as she attempted to exit her vehicle to pump gas. Guerrero-Narváez then threatened her and her children by stating that if she cooperated, they would not get hurt and gestured as if he had a weapon. Fearing for her life and the safety of her children, the Victim complied and allowed Guerrero-Narváez to take the vehicle.
Later that evening, Guerrero-Narváez was arrested in Carolina, around the corner from the BMW, with the keys to the car. Cartagena-Suárez was walking with Guerrero-Narváez at the time of his arrest. After finding Cartagena-Suárez’s fingerprints on the driver’s door handle, his driver’s license inside the car, and video surveillance showing Cartagena-Suárez and Guerrero-Narváez working together at the Puma gas station, Cartagena-Suárez was added to the Indictment. According to the testimony of an FBI Special Agent, during an interview, Cartagena-Suárez admitted to going to the gas station knowing that a carjacking would occur, being present for the carjacking, and getting into the stolen vehicle after Guerrero-Narváez took the BMW from the Victim.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Henek. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 12, 2019 at 10:15 am.
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Five Individuals Indicted in Life Insurance Fraud Scheme to Obtain Policies Without Insureds’ KnowledgeRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 26, 2019, a Federal grand jury returned a 35-count indictment charging five individuals with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud, six counts of aggravated identity theft, and seven counts of money laundering, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI handled the investigation with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Puerto Rico Police Department, pursuant to a referral from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Puerto Rico.
The indictment alleges that from November 2006 through the return of the indictment, defendants Luz M. Santiago-Torres, Jimmy E. Santiago-Burgos, Félix Rosa-Rosa, José Rivera-Esparra, and Ulises Feliciano-Caraballo conspired, devised, and engaged in a scheme to defraud life insurance companies by applying for, paying for, and receiving life insurance policies for insureds without the insured’s knowledge and consent. Participants in the conspiracy and scheme to defraud submitted life insurance applications containing materially false information, misrepresentations, and forged signatures that were sent to insurers, including Triple-S, Multinational, Occidental, Americo Financial, Universal, National, Great American, and Metlife, all without the knowledge and consent of the insured listed on the life insurance application.
As a part of the conspiracy, insurance agents, including Félix Rosa-Rosa, José Rivera-Esparra, and Ulises Feliciano-Caraballo, prepared and submitted the fraudulent life insurance applications to the various insurance companies. Upon the death of the insureds, payments were then made to the listed beneficiaries, including Santigo-Torres and Santiago-Burgos.
More than 30 fraudulent insurance policy applications were identified involving over 20 different insureds. Those insureds include five individuals who are still alive with active policies in their name as of the date of the indictment, four whom died of natural causes, and four whom suffered violent deaths in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, including murder.
The four violent deaths include the shooting deaths of Daniel Santiago Ramos and Reinaldo Santiago Torres on July 1, 2011 and August 28, 2012 respectively, as well as the deaths of brothers Jose A. Torres-Cruz and Margarito Torres Cruz, who died on October 31, 2009 and June 2, 2018 respectively, when each was struck by a vehicle and killed on Road 552 in Juana Diaz.
The total of the fraudulent insurance policies involved in the conspiracy exceeds five millions dollars. In excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars was actually paid by life insurance companies as a result of insureds’ deaths.
The co-conspirators listed the personal identification information of insureds on life insurance applications, including their name, social security number, and date of birth; listed false contact information including false residential addresses, false mailing addresses, and false telephone numbers. The false contact information provided corresponded to the addresses and contact information for individuals involved in the conspiracy and scheme to defraud. By doing so, the defendants would receive communications made via telephone and mail rather than the actual named insured.
Multiple insureds, for whom life insurance policies were obtained without their knowledge and consent, resided at and were provided elderly care at Hogar Sustituto Luz Santiago y Fernando Santiago also known as Sueño Felíz, a home for the elderly operated by defendant Santiago-Torres in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Sueño Felíz was licensed to operate with the Puerto Rico Department of Family until the license was revoked on or about April 5, 2011.
In addition to the mail and wire fraud charges, defendants Luz M. Santiago-Torres, Félix Rosa-Rosa, and José Rivera-Esparra were charged with aggravated identity theft of insureds’ names, social security numbers, and signatures. Santiago-Torres is also facing seven counts of money laundering for making monetary transactions in excess of $10,000 with proceeds of the conspiracy and scheme to defraud, including the $30,000 purchase of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. All defendants are facing the forfeiture of the criminally derived proceeds, including $1,543,974.22.
“Luz M. Santiago-Torres and her coconspirators deliberately targeted senior citizens as part of a life insurance fraud scheme that affected more than 20 victims, some of whom lost their lives violently, and yet they didn’t care and collected fraudulent insurance payouts,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These charges demonstrate our firm commitment to stopping those who exploit senior citizens and other vulnerable populations.”
“The FBI appreciates the outstanding work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Office of Social Security, and remains confident that we and our partners have the capacity to address any large scale fraud scheme that threatens the public,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office. “As always, the sooner these frauds get reported to us, the faster we can respond and apprehend those responsible. We are available 24 hours a day at 787-754-6000 and www.tips.fbi.gov.”
“Postal Inspectors, federal prosecutors and our law enforcement & regulatory partners have diligently worked to identify and disrupt the activities of a criminal group who stole the identities of individuals, and obtained fraudulent life insurance policies in the names of their victims,” said Raimundo Marrero, Assistant Inspector in Charge, Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Postal Inspectors will continue to tirelessly investigate these types of financial crimes that utilize the U.S. Mail to target businesses and consumers alike.”
The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Henwood and Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Erbe. If found guilty, defendants are facing a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment for each conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud count as well as a maximum 2 year term of imprisonment for each aggravated identity count and a maximum 10 years of imprisonment for each money laundering count. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Youth Basketball Coach Arrested for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Coercion and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Yesterday, United States Magistrate Judge Camille L. Vélez-Rivé authorized a criminal complaint against Ángel Gabriel Díaz-Rosado, charging him for attempted production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of minors, and transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, sections 2251(a); 2422(b); and 1470, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Department and the Puerto Rico Department of Family.
Yesterday evening HSI agents of the Child Exploitation Unit arrested Díaz-Rosado in Bayamón. Today he had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Vélez-Rivé.
According to the information contained in a criminal complaint, on Monday, March 18, 2019, the mother of a male minor, went to the ICE-HSI San Patricio offices to report that, on March 13, 2019, she had discovered multiple text, voice messages, and pornographic images shared between her son and defendant Ángel Gabriel Díaz-Rosado. The messages were transmitted, through the Internet, using the WhatsApp phone application.
“The defendant, who was entrusted by the parents and the school where kids played basketball for him, violated their trust by committing these awful acts,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively target those who prey on our children. We encourage other potential victims to come forward if this defendant or any other adult is engaging in this type of criminal behavior. Do not remain silent. Help us help you.”
“HSI will not tolerate the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our society, and will continue working with our partners in the PRCACTF to investigate those who exploit our children and deprive them of their innocence,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. “This case is particularly alarming as the defendant was in a position of trust with access to minors. Make no mistake, HSI will continue to investigate and apprehend those who exploit our children, especially those who betray the trust placed in them by committing these despicable acts.”
“The mission of our department is clear and we will not allow the security of our most vulnerable populations to be threatened. We will continue working to ensure the welfare of the victims and their families in this case. Puerto Rico can be sure that we will use all the tools in our power to help them regain control of their lives despite this ordeal. We thank all the components that are part of this research who had a quick response to the referral from our department, confirming that together we are stronger,” said Secretary of the Department of the Family, Glorimar Andújar Matos.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Cristina Caraballo and Deputy Chief of the Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation Unit, Nicholas Cannon, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Díaz-Rosado faces a minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen years and up to life, a minimum term of supervised release of five years up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000.
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Aurea Vázquez-Rijos Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Murder of Her Husband Adam Joel Anhang UsterRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, United States District Court Senior Judge Daniel Dominguez sentenced Aurea Vázquez-Rijos, a.k.a. “Beatriz Vázquez/Aurea Dominicci;” her sister Marcia Vázquez-Rijos and Marcia Vázquez-Rijos’s ex-boyfriend José Ferrer-Sosa, to life in prison, for the murder of Adam Joel Anhang Uster, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez. Adam Anhang was murdered on September 22, 2005. The defendants were found guilty by a jury on October 3, 2018.
The trial was preceded by a complex investigation that included the release from state prison of a man who was wrongly convicted of the murder of Adam Anhang. On or about October 2007, Jonathan Román-Rivera was convicted of the murder of Adam Anhang and sentenced to 105 years in prison. In June 2008, the federal investigation into the murder of Adam Anhang resulted in Román-Rivera’s release, and the arrest of Alex Pabón-Colón. On June 4, 2008, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a two-count indictment charging Aurea Vázquez-Rijos and Alex Pabón-Colón, a.k.a. “Alex el loco/Dante” for the murder of Adam Anhang. Pabón-Colón pleaded guilty on June 13, 2008. Aurea Vázquez-Rijos moved to Italy in 2008, in an effort to avoid prosecution. She was arrested in Spain in 2013 and extradited after contested proceedings in 2015. On August 15, 2013, a Federal Grand Jury returned a second superseding indictment charging José Ferrer-Sosa and Marcia Vázquez-Rijos, along with Aurea Vázquez-Rijos with the murder-for-hire of Adam Anhang. Charbel Vázquez-Rijos, Aurea and Marcia’s brother, is facing a charge of perjury before the Grand Jury and is pending trial.
During trial, the government proved that Aurea Vázquez-Rijos, José Ferrer-Sosa and Marcia Váquez-Rijos met with Alex Pabón-Colón on September 21, 2005, to propose that Pabón-Colón murder Adam Anhang in exchange for three million dollars. Aurea Vázquez-Rijos made approximately ten telephone calls to Adam Anhang in order to induce him to have dinner with her at a restaurant in Old San Juan, and to facilitate his murder by defendant Pabón-Colón. On September 22, 2005, Alex Pabón-Colón received a call from José Ferrer-Sosa, who informed him that defendant Aurea Vázquez-Rijos and her husband were dining at a restaurant in Old San Juan and that Adam Anhang had to be murdered that evening.
After dinner, Pabón-Colón murdered Adam Anhang at the corner of San Justo and Luna streets in Old San Juan as Adam Anhang and defendant Aurea Vázquez-Rijos were returning to the parking garage to pick up Adam Anhang’s car. The murder was carried out, as previously discussed, and pursuant to the instructions Pabón-Colón had received from defendants Aurea Vázquez-Rijos, Jose Ferrer-Sosa, and Marcia Vázquez-Rijos. Pabón-Colón stabbed Adam Anhang on multiple occasions and forcefully hit him in the head with a cobblestone, while his wife observed the fatal attack. Adam Anhang fought Pabón-Colón and tried to protect his wife from the assailant. Adam Anhang never knew his wife was the one who ordered the murder.
At trial, witnesses testified that Aurea Vázquez-Rijos watched as her husband was murdered; his last words were directed to her: “Run baby, run!” At the same time, she reminded Pabón-Colón that he needed to inflict an injury on her, in order to create the impression that she was blameless in the incident, and in order to perpetuate the idea that Adam Anhang’s death resulted from a robbery.
Evidence showed that Pabón-Colón wrote letters attempting to collect money from the defendants for the murder of Adam Anhang. Defendant Marcia Vázquez-Rijos received the third letter Pabón-Colón sent to them and she advised the person who delivered the letter to tell Pabón-Colón that they did not have the money to pay him. The jury found the defendants guilty of all counts including conspiracy and the use an interstate facility in murder-for-hire.
“Today’s sentence concludes a process which required a lot of effort and perseverance, justice was finally served for the victim and his family,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “I am immensely proud of our prosecution team and our law enforcement partners for this successful prosecution; with the life sentences of these defendants, the victim’s family will hopefully find some closure from this senseless crime.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys José Ruiz-Santiago and Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega.
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Man Indicted for Kidnapping, Harboring an Illegal Alien, and ExtortionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On February 28, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Héctor Sánchez-Morales for kidnapping, harboring of an illegal alien, and extortion, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that on February 3, in the District of Puerto Rico, Héctor Sánchez-Morales did unlawfully and willfully seize, confine, and hold for ransom A.G., an adult female, and in furtherance of the commission of the offense, used a telephone and vehicle, facilities of interstate commerce. On February 3, 2019, A.G., a citizen from the Dominican Republic, arrived at Rincón, Puerto Rico, by boat, and entered the island illegally. After A.G. disembarked the boat, defendant Sánchez-Morales approached her and offered to help her if she went with him. A.G. agreed and the defendant transported her to his house in Añasco, Puerto Rico. After A.G. bathed, Sánchez-Morales raped her twice.
After Sánchez-Morales sexually assaulted A.G., he kept her against her will until the next day, when he told her that she needed to leave by that evening, or else he would kill her. The defendant also demanded that she call her friends so they could pay him money for her release. Later that evening A.G.’s friends arrived to the agreed upon place with the defendant, paid him $400, and he released the victim to her friends. After a few days of investigation, the FBI arrested Sánchez-Morales.
The defendant is facing one count for harboring an illegal alien. On February 3, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien, A.G., had entered and remained in the United States in violation of law, Sánchez-Morales concealed, harbored, and shielded A.G. from detection for private financial gain, and in doing so caused her serious bodily injury. Sánchez-Morales is also facing one count for extortion for requesting and receiving U.S. Currency as ransom and reward for the release of his victim whom he had kidnapped.
“The FBI is actively investigating all cases involving human trafficking or kidnappings in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands regardless of the immigration status of the victims,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office” “Public tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information on human trafficking or other federal crimes are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to submit tips through the FBI’s tip line available on our website at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon, Deputy Chief, Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge, up to 20 years for harboring an alien, and up to five years for extortion. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Man Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 27, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Yadiel José Mangual (a resident of Florida with family ties to Puerto Rico) for mailing firearms from Florida to Puerto Rico illegally, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was a joint effort between the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbaco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Mangual is facing five counts including Conspiracy to Deliver firearms and Ammunition to a Common Carrier without Notification (18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 922(e)), Delivery of Firearms to a Common Carrier without Written Notification (18 U.S.C. § 922(e)), and violating 18 U.S.C § 1715 which declares firearms as nonmailable.
As part of a coordinated operation, USPIS along with ATF identified package containing firearms sent through the mail from Florida to Puerto Rico. A federal search warrant was obtained for the subject package, which was wrapped in decorative gift-wrapping with the word “baby” written across the wrapping in various colors. Inside the package, federal agents found one Glock pistol, one AR type pistol, three .40 caliber magazines, rounds of .40 caliber ammunition and .223 caliber ammunition, and one (1) dual 5.56 caliber drum magazine. The investigation revealed that Yadiel José Mangual, and other unknown individuals, conspired to mail firearms from Florida to Puerto Rico. Specifically, Mangual mailed, from Tampa, Florida to addresses in Puerto Rico, two packages containing firearms. He then flew to Puerto Rico where he planned to retrieve the packages and deliver the firearms to others. One of those packages was intercepted by USPS, leading to Mangual’s arrest.
“We will vigorously prosecute those involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms, which are subsequently used in the commission of violent crimes,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue working with the all law enforcement authorities to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, who all too frequently endanger our community.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanette Collazo is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces up to two (2) years in prison for the charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1715; and five (5) years in prison for the charges under 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 922(e)). An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Kevin Hassan Prósperes-Sosa Arrested for Cyberstalking and Threatening Interstate CommunicationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Today, United States Magistrate Judge Marcos López authorized a criminal complaint against Kevin Hassan Prósperes-Sosa, charging him for cyberstalking and threatening interstate communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 2261A(2), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c), announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department.
According to the information contained in a criminal complaint, on or about January 13, 2019, an adult female’s (AF #1) 17-year-old minor daughter was grabbed by the arm by Prósperes-Sosa, while she was walking on the street on the way home from buying school supplies. The minor ran to her house, where the defendant followed her and observed as she entered the house.
On or about January 15, 2019, AF #1 presented a formal police complaint against Prósperes-Sosa, and AF #1 was subpoenaed for February 27, 2019 to be interviewed. On January 16 and 17, 2019, AF #1 observed Prósperes-Sosa standing in front of her house staring at her residence. As a result of this, AF #1 obtained a temporary restraining order from the Municipal Court of Ciales on January 24, 2019.
On February 24, 2019, AF #1 received several simultaneous messages. When she went over to her phone, she saw a Facebook friend invite from a “Kevin Prosperes,” and several Facebook Messenger messages from the same person in Spanish. A preliminary translation of this Facebook message is: “Hello, I sent you a Request fucking Bitch, you think that you know Bitch, that you reported me, but I swear to you that I am going to kill you and I am going to take your daughters and I am going to rape them, because nobody fucks with me, piece of Asshole, when I take them, specially the one with the blue hair, it’s going to be a pity, I am going to rape them until I can’t any longer and I am going to make them disappear.”
The messages were followed by a picture of Prósperes-Sosa’s full naked body in front of a mirror. After the photo, the defendant continued writing “This is what I am going to stick to your daughter, my dick, but first I will kill you because nobody fucks with me, who do you think you are Bitch”.
During this same period, on February 2, 2019, a 14-year-old female minor (FM#1) received several text messages from the same number, stating in part: I want your ass…I know where you study…I will eat your ass…I know why…call…let’s fuck, Joel.
“The threats conveyed in Prósperes-Sosa’s internet and electronic messages caused these victims substantial harm and anguish,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Through the tireless work of investigators, over the last 24 hours we have been able to identify and contact several victims of this man’s cyberstalking. This investigation is ongoing, and federal authorities will continue to prosecute those who use social media to threaten innocent victims with violent acts.”
“Victimizing someone, particularly a child, from one’s computer or smartphone may seem easy and low-risk,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “But my office will do everything in our power to raise the cost to those who engage in such despicable behavior. I cannot imagine the anguish suffered by those affected in this case but, at least, the prompt and decisive action of our agents have brought them some peace of mind knowing the perpetrator will behind bars for a long time.”
Special Assistant United States Attorney Cristina Caraballo and Deputy Chief of the Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation Unit, Nicholas Cannon, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Prósperes-Sosa faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years for each count, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.
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Five Individuals Arrested for Hobbs Act, Carjacking, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 1st, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against five individuals for interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), carjacking, kidnapping, and possessing and brandishing a machinegun in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The indictment alleges that on February 19, in the District of Puerto Rico, José González-Cirino; Carlos Diaz-Medina; Adlay De Aza-Casillas; Egadier Omar Díaz-Andrades; and Eddie Escalera-Martínez, conspired to unlawfully take motorcycles from Evinmotors, a company engaged in the retail sale of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, watercraft, and boats, in the presence of a security guard, against his will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, by threatening the security guard with a firearm and tying him up inside his vehicle in an attempt to commit the robbery.
In their attempt to commit the robbery, the defendants, aiding and abetting each other, possessed and brandished firearms, and took a white, four-door, 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage from the security guard, that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce -- by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. The defendants kidnapped the security guard by tying him up inside his vehicle while they drove around and tried to break into various warehouses to gain access to Evinmotors. Fortunately, the security guard was not harmed and defendants were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempted robbery. After alarms sounded, defendants fled the scene and were apprehended shortly thereafter by the Puerto Rico Police Department and the FBI, who are in charge of the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Henek. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Fiscalía Federal Solicita AsistenciaRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Debido a recientes reportes en los medios sobre casos de acoso sexual contra menores, en particular por parte del individuo Kevin Prósperes Sosa en el municipio de Ciales, la Fiscal Federal Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez junto a la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE-HSI) y el FBI, exhortan a la comunidad a reportar cualquier incidente de acoso sexual hacia un menor bajo estricta confidencialidad, independientemente sea a través de un medio electrónico o de otra forma. Queremos que las víctimas de Prósperes Sosa lo denuncien lo antes posible; así podremos salvaguardar la seguridad de las jóvenes víctimas.
El acoso cibernético, en muchas de sus modalidades, constituye un crimen federal en contra del sector más vulnerable, nuestros niños, y es una prioridad detenerlo de forma inmediata.
Si tiene información sobre crímenes de acoso sexual y hostigamiento favor de llamar a ICE-HSI a 787-729-6969 ó 1-800-981-3030 o al FBI al 787-754-6000.
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75 Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in Puerto Rico Project Safe Neighborhoods Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 20, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 75 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force, were in charge of the investigation. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2006, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador and Las Margaritas Public Housing Projects, and other areas, and within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds located in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit. The object of the conspiracy was the large-scale distribution of controlled substances for significant financial gain and profit. Members of the organization also possessed and distributed kilogram quantities of controlled substances, mainly cocaine, in Puerto Rico, for further distribution in the continental United States.
This drug trafficking organization was known as “Las FARC,” (Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cantera). Las FARC operated out of Barrio Obrero Ward, including but not limited to El Guano sector, Playita sector, William Street, Eleven Street, Cantera sector, and the Public Housing Projects Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador, and Las Margaritas, all located in Santurce, since in or about the year 2006. The goal of Las FARC was to maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities within the Santurce area by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation.
The 75 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, runners, suppliers, enforcers, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Twenty-seven defendants are also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As part of the conspiracy, leaders and/or drug point owners of the drug trafficking organization would routinely authorize and instruct other co-conspirators to provide free “samples” of narcotics to “customers” in order to promote the sales of a specific brand of drug at the drug points. Some of the co-conspirators used different types of barricades or barriers, including but not limited to large water tanks, access control barriers and/or steel gate poles, in order to block off the streets that gave access to the drug points. These barriers would stop the entry of law enforcement agents and/or members of rival gangs. Members of the drug trafficking organization would often “abduct” and assault rival drug traffickers as well as members of their own drug trafficking organization, in order to intimidate and maintain control of the drug trafficking activities.
Some of the defendants used part of the proceeds of their illegal activities to purchase legitimate assets and/or services, including but not limited to real estate properties, nightclubs, motor vehicles, vessels, clothing, trips, hotel accommodations, and private parties.
The defendants indicted today are: Emmanuel Pacheco-Marín, a.k.a. “Bebo Las Farc/Manuel/Cabezon”; Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako”; Jesús J. Rivera-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Colombiano”; Jose L. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Luis A. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Elvin O. Cruz-Verges, a.k.a. “Mellao”; Segismar Rodríguez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Segis/Seji/Ceji/Segui”; Luis Serrano-Nieves, a.k.a. “Gordo Bemba”; Christian O. Dalmau-García, a.k.a. “Negro/Dalmau”; Fabián Viloria-Sepúlveda, a.k.a. “Fabi/Favi”; Anthony Vazquez-Arroyo, a.k.a. “Buri”; Luis R. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Espi/Luis Pinal/El Gordo”; Ignacio Gual-Calderón, a.k.a. “Papulin/Papu”; Jonathan Rivera-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Moto/Motito/Goldo/Motito Junior”; Samuel Castro-Rivera, a.k.a. “Sammy Loba”; Carlos H. Torres-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Hiram/Buba”; Joset J. Rivera-Verdejo, a.k.a. “Jomar”; Jason Arroyo-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chapu/El Gordo”; Jean Carlos Candelario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Yankee/El Flaco”; Nefty L. Oquendo-Rosario; Pedro Collazo-Prieto, a.k.a. “Pedrito”; José O. Baez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Bam Bam/Landi”; Edgar Nieves-Torres, a.k.a. “Bambi/Banb”; Jonathan O. Arce-Carrillo, a.k.a. “El Joyero/Jon El De Vista”; Gustavo J. Germes-Estrella, a.k.a. “Papo El Claro/Papo”; Dionicio Odali De La Rosa-Richiez, a.k.a. “Dioni”; Anthony González-Miranda, a.k.a. “Tony”; Carlos R. Nieves, a.k.a. “Carlitos Boada/Pablito”; John Blaymeyer-Quiñones, a.k.a. “Blade/Blay/Pichi”; Christian J. Castro-González, a.k.a. “Christian Poo”; Adams E. Aquino-Rosario, a.k.a. “Pirobo”; Alexis Fermaintt-Caraballo; Christian J. Sierra-Pérez, a.k.a. “Bampi/Vampi”; Victor Rivera-Galindez, a.k.a. “Bin Laden”; Luis B. Louzao, a.k.a. “Panda/Benji”; Edgardo A. Benitez-Guivas, a.k.a. “Buda/Buda De Las Margaritas”; Ediberto García-López, a.k.a. “Mafia”; Geovanny Morales-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Gova/Jova Morales”; Luis A. Piris-Torres, a.k.a. “Piris/Cheo/Cheito”; Luis García-Morlas, a.k.a. “Piolin”; Mario O. De-Jesús-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Caballo/Mario Caballo”; Pedro J. Cintron-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Torombolo/Toro”; José A. Colón-Otero, a.k.a. “Chino/Cheo/Cheito”; Carlos I. Rodríguez-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Teta/Teton/Blanquito/Carlos Teta”; Fernando Hilario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Nando de Playita/Boti”; Rafael Maldonado-Segarra, a.k.a. “Pucho de la Boada”; Ivette M. Rosado-Pantojas, a.k.a. “La Pata/ISIS”; Luis G. Robert-Torres, a.k.a. “Luigi/Cuajon Luis/Luiyo”; Gilberto Guise-Calderón, a.k.a. “Bereta/Bereta de Cantera”; Christian López-Díaz, a.k.a. “Christian 25”; Edwin Rosa-Colón, a.k.a. “Glock”; Luis O. Cabán-Rodríguez; Carlos M. Pantojas-Ruano, a.k.a. “Carlito”; Leslie R. Dominguez-Miranda, a.k.a. “Raul”; Christian J. Huertas-Méndez, a.k.a. “El Cano”; Christopher A. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bofel/Bofer”; Dennis J. Hernández-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tico/Kiko/Tico de la Calle Williams/Pipin”; Joel C. Nieves-Torres; Jonathan Meléndez-Otero, a.k.a. “Goldo”; Jonathan Pereira-Santiago, a.k.a. “Flaco”; Jorge D. Alicea-Cintrón, a.k.a. “Machete”; José M. Santiago-Montañez, a.k.a. “Ojitos Lindos/Pito/Ojitos Bellos”; José J. Piris-Hernández, a.k.a. “Piris”; Juan M. Pérez-Méndez, a.k.a. “Kun”; Luis A. Rosa-Díaz, a.k.a. “Chino”; Michael G. Marrero-Castro, a.k.a. “Conejo/Conejito/Cone”; Nelson A. López-Quiñonez, a.k.a. “Toston”; Kelvinson Castillo-Castillo, a.k.a. “Duran de la Calle Williams”; Pedro J. Massas-Rivera, a.k.a. “Five/Pedrito Massa”; Reynaldo M. Díaz-Verges, a.k.a. “Rey/Barber”; Nelson L. Cuevas-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Luli”; FNU LNU, a.k.a. “Gocho/Erick J. Rodriguez-Velez/Carlitos”; and Isadora Nieves-Cruz, a.k.a. “Pinky/Pinky Curvy”.
Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako” is facing one count of money laundering for the purchase of real estate properties in the municipality of Guaynabo with proceeds from drug trafficking. All the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $75,949,040 in U.S. currency and four other properties listed in the indictment.
Two other members of the drug trafficking organization, Edison Merced-Olivera, a.k.a. “Chino/Chino Oriental/El Loco/Chinos Las Margaritas/Pai” and Waldemar Febres-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Walde,” were charged in a separate indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, distribution of controlled substances, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These two defendants are facing murder charges at the state level for their alleged participation in the murder of Carlos Giovanny Báez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Tonka/Jova,” a known leader of the drug trafficking organization.
“Disputes between gang rivals lead to many shootings and murders, including innocent bystanders who are caught in the crossfire,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who have dismantled Las FARC with today’s indictment. We will continue to investigate these violent criminal organizations with our law enforcement counterparts, and send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office said: “Removing drug traffickers, violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs remains one of the highest priorities of the FBI in Puerto Rico as we seek to provide the citizens of Puerto Rico with a better place to live and raise their families. Today’s operation was made possible through the hard work of Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the FBI Safe Street Task Force, and our dedicated partners at the United States Attorney’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshal Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service; Police of Puerto Rico’s Strike Force; San Juan Municipal Police; Puerto Rico Department of Correction; and Puerto Rico Air National Guard. FBI Special Agents and Tactical personnel from FBI Headquarters and several other FBI field offices, conducted several of today’s arrests. Special appreciation is extended to San Juan Police Commissioner José Caldero for the outstanding task force officers from his department, one of whom served as the lead investigator on this case.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, A.J. Collazo stated: “DEA and the Caribbean Division is proud of being part of this successful operation. Whenever we work together, favorable changes happen for our citizens and thanks to these changes, our Puerto Rican families are safer. We can’t allow these organizations to obstruct the right of peace in the Public Housing Projects in Puerto Rico. This organization was responsible for placing crack, heroin, and marijuana in the hands of lives who later suffered addiction, death and other situations, none of them positive for them, their families, nor society. These individuals are under arrest for the immeasurable damage they caused; life is priceless, and now they are behind bars to see justice done. The Men and Women of DEA will not rest and we will go after many more, when they least expect it.”
“The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers cannot finance their organizations. The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money, and we are proud to provide our financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring these criminals to justice. Today's announcement demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust,” stated Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and María L. Montañez-Concepción are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Today’s arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
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Two Individuals Sentenced for Hobbs Act Robbery That Resulted in MurderRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Jonathan Valentin-Santiago to 34 years in prison and Rubén Miró-Cruz to 24 years and six months in prison for their participation in the Hobbs Act robbery that resulted in the murder of a Police of Puerto Rico officer, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On September 11, 2017, Jonathan Valentin-Santiago and Rubén Miró-Cruz approached Herol Café, also known as “La Tumba” in Ponce, PR, and announced a robbery to four men sitting outside the establishment. The co-defendants brandished a knife and a gun and they took money and jewelry from the four individuals and from the business while Cristian Serrano-Delgado, the third co-conspirator, waited outside by his car, a BMW.
Later, an adult male, an off duty Police of Puerto Rico officer, who was inside the establishment discharged his firearm at one of the defendants who returned fire and mortally wounded the police officer. After shots were fired, Serrano-Delgado drove his co-defendants away from the scene.
In December of 2018, after an eight-day jury trial, a jury found Cristian Serrano-Delgado guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and murder. His sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2019. Serrano-Delgado faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment. Valentin-Santiago had plead guilty on November 8, 2018 and Rubén Miró-Cruz had plead guilty on October 16, 2018.
“I hope that these sentencings will help the victim’s family find some closure,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Senseless acts of violence which threaten our communities and innocent victims will not be tolerated.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum and Special AUSA Omar Barroso were in charge of the prosecution of this case. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department were in charge of the investigation.
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Two Individuals Arrested for Carjacking, Hobbs Act, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
On February 7, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment against two individuals for carjacking, kidnapping, interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The indictment alleges that on January 21, in the District of Puerto Rico, Miguel Ángel Rivera-Rivera and Chris Joanny Goenaga-Ortiz, aiding and abetting each other, possessing and brandishing firearms, took a Ponce taxi, that is a red 2002 Toyota Corolla, from an adult male victim, a taxi driver, by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. The defendants kidnapped the victim and held him against his will for hours. On January 25, the same defendants robbed fast food restaurant Little Caesars in Bairoa Shopping Center in Caguas. The defendants were arrested by Puerto Rico Police officers in the carjacked taxi while fleeing from the Little Caesar’s robbery.
Defendant Miguel Ángel Rivera-Rivera is also charged with several robberies while carrying and brandishing a firearm, on the following dates: January 11, Burger King at Las Americas Avenue in Ponce; January 14, Burger King in Villalba; January 15, Chinese fast food restaurant Mr. Wu’s in Juana Diaz; January 16, Burger King in Juana Diaz and KFC-Kentucky Fried Chicken in La Rambla in Ponce; and January 18, Toral Gas Station in Calle Comercio, Ponce. Rivera-Rivera is also facing a charge for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega. The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Ex-Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Bribery and Conspiracy to DefraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita, former Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja was sentenced by United States District Judge Carmen C. Cerezo to serve 30 months in prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $39,999 to the Municipality of Toa Baja, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On August 30, 2018, Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll to bribery and conspiracy to obtain property by fraud from a program receiving federal funds. As a part of the guilty plea, Arroyo admitted that he served as Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja during the time of the conspiracy, which was from May 2011 through May 2013. In his position as Director of Facilities, Arroyo conspired to defraud the municipality and accepted multiple bribes, paid in cash and totaling $39,999, in exchange for causing contracts to be awarded and payments to be made by the Municipality of Toa Baja to enrich co-defendant Luis Serrano-Perdigón.
As a part of the conspiracy, Arroyo personally submitted fraudulent quote documentation to the purchasing office of the Municipality of Toa Baja using a fictitious company named Professional Sales & Service. In doing so, Arroyo utilized, without consent or legal authority, the name and signature of a real person on the fraudulent quote documentation submitted to the municipality. Arroyo then caused checks to be issued by the municipality to Professional Sales & Service, which were deposited into a bank account in the name of ALS Electronic Service, a company alleged to be controlled by co-defendant Luis Serrano Perdigon. Bribe payments were then made by Luis Serrano-Perdigón directly to Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita.
The sentencing hearing for Luis Serrano-Perdigón is scheduled for February 14, 2019. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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