District of Puerto Rico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Día Mundial De Concienciación Sobre El Abuso A Personas De Edad AvanzadaRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Luego del azote de los huracanes Irma y María en Puerto Rico, Fiscalía Federal y el Departamento de Justicia de Puerto Rico, junto con varias agencias federales y estatales y la empresa privada crearon el Elderly Task Force para poder proveer ayuda a la población de edad avanzada en hogares de ancianos. En esos momentos de gran necesidad se les proveyó agua, comida, pañales para adultos, toallas, artículos de higiene personal y de primeros auxilios, bebidas nutritivas, entre otras necesidades a 16,330 personas en 839 hogares. Esta semana se celebra el Día Mundial de Concienciación sobre el Abuso a los Ancianos y volvemos a unirnos para trabajar por esta comunidad.
La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, en su resolución 66/127, designó el 15 de junio como: Día Mundial de Concienciación sobre el Abuso a los Ancianos. Tanto la Fiscalía Federal como el Departamento de Justicia aunamos esfuerzos para hacernos parte la iniciativa del Departamento de Justicia Federal: Justicia para los Ancianos. A esos efectos, tendremos mesas informativas y ofreceremos charlas educativas sobre temas como: explotación financiera, delitos cibernéticos, maltrato institucional, negligencia, entre otros, dirigidos a los adultos mayores, familiares y cuidadores. La actividad se llevará a cabo en Plaza Las Américas el 15 de junio, desde las 9:00am hasta las 2:00pm frente a la tienda Macy’s en el segundo piso.
Le agradecemos a las siguientes agencias federales y estatales que participarán de la actividad: Departamento de Salud Federal-Oficina del Inspector General, Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas-Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (ICE-HSI, por sus siglas en inglés), FBI, Oficina del Procurador de Personas de Edad Avanzada, Departamento de Salud, y Empresas Fonalleda.
“Es nuestro deber proteger a esta comunidad,” dijo Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico. “Se lo debemos a quienes nos han dado tanto para garantizar su protección y dignidad en esta etapa de sus vidas. La Iniciativa del Departamento de Justicia Federal se ha comprometido a optimizar los esfuerzos estatales y locales para combatir el abuso, el abandono y la explotación financiera de los ancianos, por medio de capacitación, recursos e información”.
“El bienestar de las personas de la tercera edad es una de las prioridades del Gobernador Ricardo Rosselló Nevares y del Departamento de Justicia. La población continúa envejeciendo y, según la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, para el 2050, se espera que 2,000 millones de personas tengan 60 años. Esto es el doble de la cantidad actual. Merecen tener calidad de vida, con un trato sensible y justo. Repudiamos los malos tratos hacia nuestras personas de edad avanzada, y la negligencia hacia ellos, robarles o maltratarlos, tanto física como emocionalmente, son delitos que procesaremos con todo el rigor de la ley”, expresó Vázquez Garced.
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On 500th Day of Trump Administration, Attorney General Sessions Announces 311 New Assistant United States Attorney PositionsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emlia Rodríguez-Vélez announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
“Under President Trump’s strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is ‘the coin of the realm.’ When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”
In the District of Puerto Rico, five of these AUSAs will focus on violent crime, and one on civil enforcement.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico is grateful to Attorney General Sessions and the leadership at the United States Department of Justice for the allotment of these six new Assistant United States Attorney positions. The Department of Justice has recognized, through the allocation of these positions, the significance of the violent crime problem on our island. They have also shown great confidence in our Office by placing these valuable department resources in a place where they are both desperately needed and greatly appreciated,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
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Seven Puerto Rico Police Officers Indicted and Arrested for Corrupt Activities Including Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Seven Puerto Rico police officers have been charged in four different indictments for their alleged participation in a criminal acts, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigations.
“When the officer with a gun and a badge is no different from the trafficker peddling drugs in the street, we all suffer. That is why the US Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are determined to root out corruption, wherever and in whatever forms it may be found,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
“Today’s charges represent a grave breach of the oath taken by these sworn officers. Fortunately, those accused represent only a very small percentage of the brave men and women of the Puerto Rico Police Department, who serve only to protect the citizens of Puerto Rico. In fact, the FBI’s continued efforts to clean up corruption and civil rights violations have been assisted by the full cooperation of the leadership of the Puerto Rico Police Department,’ stated Douglas Leff, Special Agent in Charge of FBI, San Juan.
The first indictment, returned on May 18, 2018 by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 13 counts for corrupt activities against the following police officers assigned to the Caguas Drug Unit: Eidderf Jhave Ramos-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Baby;” Juan Carlos Ortiz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Juan C.;” Christian Rodríguez-Cruz; and Eric Velázquez-Martínez.
Eidderf Jhave Ramos-Ortiz is facing 11 counts for possession with intent to distribute marihuana while carrying firearms. Defendant Juan Carlos Ortiz-Vázquez is facing six counts for possession with intent to distribute marihuana while carrying firearms. Defendants Christian Rodríguez-Cruz and Eric Velázquez-Martínez are facing one count for possession with intent to distribute marihuana and one count for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If found guilty, all defendants are facing up to five years for the marihuana charges and up to life in prison for the firearms charges.
The second indictment charges José D. García-Hernández for possession with intent to distribute detectable amounts of marihuana in the municipality of Vega Baja. He is also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. García-Hernández is facing five years for the marihuana count and up to life in prison for the firearm violation count.
The third indictment charges José De Jesús Rivera, a.k.a. “El Mudo” with possession with intent to distribute detectable amounts of Tramadol, a Schedule IV drug controlled substance. On April 25, 2016 in the municipality of Vega Baja, De Jesús-Rivera carried firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime as charged in the first count. This defendant is also charged with possession with intent to distribute Tramadol within 1,000 feet of the Brígida Álvarez Rodríguez School in Vega Baja. De Jesús Rivera is facing 20 years for the Tramadol count and up to life in prison for the firearm violation count.
The fourth indictment charges Marcelino Pérez-De Jesús with two counts for the sale of a firearm and ammunition to a prohibited person. On or about July 5, 2016, Pérez-De Jesús knowingly sold a Smith & Wesson 9mm caliber pistol to a felon. On July 20, 2017, the defendant sold 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition and two .40 caliber Glock magazines to a felon. The maximum penalty Pérez-De Jesús faces is up to 10 years in prison.
The cases are being investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys José A. Contreras, Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and Nicholas W. Cannon.
The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Citizens of Puerto Rico with allegations of law enforcement corruption are encouraged to contact the FBI’s San Juan Division at (787) 754-6000.
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US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General Honors US Attorney’s Office- District of PR with Two Achievement AwardsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. –The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General has honored the US Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico with two distinguished awards, the Inspector General Cooperative Achievement Award, and the Inspector General’s Award for Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, announced US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
This year’s Inspector General Cooperative Achievement Award recognizes a group of individuals from different federal and state agencies in Puerto Rico whose leadership, commitment, hard work, dedication, and cooperative achievements in the relief efforts following the Hurricane María’s aftermath, also known as the Puerto Rico Quality of Care and Patient Relief Effort/Elderly Task Force.
The USAO-PR recipients are US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, Executive Assistant US Attorney Jacqueline D. Novas, AUSA Olga Castellón-Miranda, and Paralegal Specialist Cristzayda Matos.
On September 20 2017, Hurricane Maria crossed directly over the island of Puerto Rico, which was still in the process of recovering from the effects of the previous Hurricane, Irma. The entire island was without power, water, and there was almost no cell service. There was severe flooding, buildings had sustained structural damage, and the roads were impassible due to downed electrical power lines and trees.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico partnered with HHS-OIG, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, other state and federal agencies and took a lead role on a quality of care initiative, conducting site surveys at elderly homes throughout the island, investigating potential quality of care issues while providing assistance and resources such as food, water, and hygiene products to those elderly homes residents. As a result of this initiative, a total of 839 elderly homes were visited and approximately 16,330 elderly patients were assisted as of December 2017. This initiative also led to the prosecution of an elderly homeowner who physically abuse of elderly patients.
During the initiative, these volunteers worked under challenging conditions in areas that had substantial debris and had no electrical power. Despite these obstacles, they made great contributions to the health and welfare of the sick and elderly citizens of Puerto Rico.
The Inspector General’s Award for Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, was granted to an outstanding team that investigated and prosecuted a group of government employees from the Puerto Rico Department of Health who conspired to defraud the Medicaid Program in PR. The recipients are: Assistant US Attorney and Criminal Division Chief José Capó-Iriarte, AUSAs Luke Cass, Seth Erbe, Rafael López, Chief of the Civil Division Héctor Ramírez-Carbó and Special AUSA Amanda Soto.
On February 24, 2016, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a fourteen-count indictment against eight individuals for bribery, health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, mail fraud, false statements related to health care matters and aggravated identity theft.
The collaboration in this case marked the first time in which health care fraud violations related to the Medicaid program were charged in an Office of Investigation lead investigation in Puerto Rico. The collaboration also marked the first time criminal and civil actions were pursued against Medicaid participants. Furthermore, this collaboration also resulted in the administrative disenrollment of hundreds of Medicaid participants suspected of providing false statements during their enrollment process.
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Siblings Indicted and Arrested for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 9, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging two siblings for money laundering, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.
The indictment charges Fabián Padilla-Baez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine from in or about 2013 through October 2014. The indictment also charges Fabián Padilla-Baez and his sister, Mabel Padilla-Baez, a Police of Puerto Rico Officer, with conspiracy to commit money laundering by agreeing with each other and other persons, to knowingly conduct a financial transaction affecting interstate and foreign commerce, which transaction involved the proceeds of dealing in controlled substances.
On May 15, 2013, both defendants conducted and attempted to purchase a property located at Parcel C, Sector Barrio Contorno, Barrio Galateo, Toa Alta, PR. This transaction involved the proceeds of a specified unlawful activity, that is, the felonious manufacture, importation, receiving, concealment, buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in controlled substances, knowing that the transaction was designed in whole and in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of said specified unlawful activity; and knowing that the property involved in the financial transaction represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.
“In their pursuit of personal gain, the siblings conspired to launder and conceal their drug trafficking proceeds,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We commend our state and federal the law enforcement partners for their teamwork during this investigation, which resulted in today’s arrests.”
DEA’s Caribbean Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Reinaldo López said: “Part of DEA’s mission is to bring to justice anyone who breaks the law, no matter who it is. It is always sad when is one of our own, but drug trafficking and money laundering organizations need to know that we’ll continue to track them down and bring them to justice. We are here and we will prevail.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney José Contreras is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Fabián Padilla-Baez faces a minimum of ten years up to life in prison for count one and both defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering count. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) Operation Lord of the Skies. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
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Defendant Pleads Guilty in Fraud and Money Laundering CaseRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Defendant Oscar Rodríguez-Torres pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé to six counts including conspiracy, theft of government property, mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
In June of 2017, Oscar Rodríguez-Torres, along with six other individuals were charged for their participation in a conspiracy to steal federal funds involving fraudulently obtained contracts from the P.R. Department of Education (PR DOE) and the P.R. Public Housing Authority (PR PHA) through the P.R. Department of Sports and Recreation (PR DRD).
Defendants Edgardo Vázquez-Morales and Miguel Sosa-Suárez have already pleaded guilty. Change of plea hearings have been scheduled for Cecilia Amador-López, and Juan Carlos Ortiz-Nieves, on May 24, 2018 and June 12, 2018 respectively. Ramón Orta-Rodríguez and Irving Riquel Torres-Rodríguez, are awaiting trial.
As a part of the guilty plea, defendant Oscar Rodríguez-Torres admitted to a statement of facts which included the following:
- Rosso Group, Inc. (“Rosso”) was a domestic for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Puerto Rico on or about February 8, 2013. Oscar Rodríguez-Torres was the Incorporator, President, Secretary, Treasurer, and sole owner of Rosso. Between October 2013 and October 2016, pursuant to the contracts reached between PR DRD and Rosso, payments totaling approximately $8,767,446.52 were made by the P.R. Treasury Department (Hacienda), on behalf of PR DRD, to Rosso.
- Oscar Rodríguez-Torres met in Puerto Rico after the November 2012 election with members of the conspiracy to discuss how Ramon Orta-Rodríguez could obtain the position of Secretary of PR DRD and to devise a scheme to enrich themselves utilizing prospective covenants between PR DRD and the PR DOE. Upon being named Secretary of PR DRD, Ramon Orta-Rodríguez agreed with members of the conspiracy to submit multiple work plans for federal funding on behalf of the PR DRD to the PR DOE.
- Ramón Orta-Rodríguez, Oscar Rodríguez-Torres, Miguel Sosa-Suarez, Irving Riquel Torres-Rodríguez and Cecilia Amador López agreed that if a proposal was approved by PR DOE, Irving Riquel Torres-Rodríguez and Cecilia Amador-López would administer the project, Oscar Rodríguez-Torres would finance the project, and Miguel Sosa Suarez would address the budget and accounting.
- Oscar Rodríguez-Torres, Miguel Sosa-Suarez, and Irving Riquel Torres-Rodríguez agreed to split the profits from the projects. Oscar Rodríguez-Torres made payments, totaling approximately $1,317,942.88 from Rosso’s bank accounts to himself utilizing funds obtained from PR DRD.
- Oscar Rodríguez-Torres made payments, totaling approximately $1,175,228.08 from Rosso’s bank accounts to Miguel Sosa Suarez utilizing funds obtained from PR DRD. Oscar Rodríguez-Torres made a payment totaling approximately $60,000 from Rosso’s bank account XXXXX6498, using a check payable to cash, to a bank account controlled by Miguel Sosa-Suarez at BPPR (Account XXXXX1989). Oscar Rodríguez-Torres made payments, totaling approximately $762,642.50 from Rosso’s bank accounts to Irving Riquel Torres-Rodríguez utilizing funds obtained from PR DRD. Oscar Rodríguez-Torres made payments, totaling approximately $554,246.89 from Rosso’s bank accounts to AESC utilizing funds obtained from PR DRD. Oscar Rodríguez-Torres made a payment totaling approximately $300,000 from Rosso’s bank account XXXXX6498, to Global Sports Initiative (“Global”).
- The covenants between the PR DOE and the PR DRD signed by Ramón Orta-Rodríguez contained a clause that prohibited the PR DRD from completely subcontracting the activities subject to the covenant. In violation of the covenants, Ramón Orta-Rodríguez signed contracts on behalf of PR DRD with Rosso to provide all of the services required by the covenants with the PR DOE. No competitive bidding process was used for the contracts awarded by PR DRD to Rosso.
- Ramon Orta-Rodríguez, as Secretary of PR DRD, subcontracted the services to Rosso at a lower price than PR DRD had contracted to be paid by PR DOE. Ramón Orta-Rodriguez intended to obtain net proceeds for PR DRD from the covenants with PR DOE by subcontracting all of the services to Rosso at a lower cost.
- Ramón Orta-Rodríguez, as Secretary of the PR DRD, solicited and obtained federal funding from US HUD via PRPHA to pay for one television program related to activities in public housing programs in Puerto Rico. Ramón Orta-Rodríguez contracted with Rosso for the television production services of one television program related to activities in public housing programs. The contracts awarded by Ramón Orta-Rodríguez to Rosso were not subject to competitive bidding.
- Individual A provided services for two distinct and separate television programs and billed Rosso for the totality of the services. The two television programs were 1) VEA and 2) DRD.TV. Individual A increased the invoice amount from approximately sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty dollars $16,750 to approximately thirty nine thousand four hundred seventy dollars $39,470 per episode for both television programs. Individual A sent invoices to personnel of Rosso based on a cost of approximately $39,470 per episode for both television programs. Rosso personnel would send the inflated invoice to PR DRD so that a payment would be processed to Individual A.
- In or about 2016, Oscar Rodríguez-Torres directed Individual A to make payments back to Rosso in the amount of the difference between the inflated invoice and actual cost to Individual A to produce the two television programs. By increasing the invoices submitted by Individual A to Rosso, members of the conspiracy caused the fraudulent submission of invoices for payment with federal funds. Oscar Rodríguez-Torres caused payments totaling approximately $417,623.32 to be made by Individual A to Rosso.
- Members of the conspiracy took steps to create fake bids and documents containing false information in an attempt to conceal the manner in which Ramon Orta Rodriguez awarded contracts to Rosso. Edgardo Vazquez Morales solicited and received payments from Oscar Rodríguez-Torres for the purported solicitation of fake bids from other companies as a part of the scheme to conceal the manner in which Ramon Orta-Rodríguez awarded contracts to Rosso.
“Public corruption continues to erode the trust between government officials and our citizens. These defendants robbed Puerto Rican taxpayers of more than $3.5 million,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “These offenses are reprehensible, more so in light of Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis. I commend the commitment of the agents, financial analysts, and prosecutors whose tireless work made these convictions possible.”
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Education Office of Inspector General in conjunction with the FBI’s San Juan Division and the United States Department of House and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Erbe.
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Two Individuals Indicted for CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Miguel Ángel Martines-Ramos and Michael Rosa-Rodríguez for carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that on or about April 14, 2018, in the District of Puerto Rico, Miguel Ángel Martines-Ramos and Michael Rosa-Rodríguez, while carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm, did take a motor vehicle, to wit: a black 2017 Hyundai Tucson, that had been transported, shipped and received in interstate or foreign commerce, from the presence of an adult male, by force, violence and intimidation, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury. During the incident, both defendants traveled with the male victim in his vehicle, shot him three times, and left him for dead.
Both defendants are also charged with possession of a machinegun, a black and grey Glock pistol, Model 23, .40 caliber, one 22-round capacity Glock magazine, and 11 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The pistol was modified to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
“These defendants planned and carried out the carjacking and shooting of a defenseless victim,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Through the hard work of federal and state law enforcement, and our prosecutors, the defendants will be brought to justice.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora. If convicted, the defendants face up to 25 years of imprisonment for the carjacking charge (Count One), and up to life imprisonment for the firearms charge (Count Two). 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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Four Individuals Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit ArsonRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On May 10, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against four defendants charged with conspiracy to commit arson in furtherance of wire fraud, wire fraud, and other arson related charges, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in the indictment, from May until July 2016, defendants Rafael García-Sánchez, Jean Gabriel García-Charbonier, and Jesús Torres-Lazzu, a.k.a. “Bimbo,” conspired to use fire to commit the offense of wire fraud. They agreed to set the physical premises of Organización Pro Ayuda a Personas con Impedimentos (OPAPI) in Río Grande, PR on fire for the purpose of collecting insurance proceeds, and in furtherance of this scheme, García-Sánchez caused items to be sent and delivered by wire in interstate commerce.
Rafael García-Sánchez solicited assistance from Jean Gabriel García-Charbonier, Jesús Torres-Lazzu, and Christian Aponte-Charbonier to set on fire the physical premises of OPAPI in order to file a fraudulent insurance claim with Universal Insurance Company. Christian Aponte-Charbonier (now deceased), with the assistance of his brother Jean Gabriel García-Charbonier, and Jesús Torres-Lazzu set fire to the physical premises of OPAPI, causing damage to said premises and its contents. While starting the fire, Christian Aponte-Charbonier suffered major burn injuries and died because of said injuries on July 10, 2016. García-Sánchez, aided and abetted by others, filed a fraudulent claim for $250,000.00 with Universal Insurance Company in connection with the damages at OPAPI in Río Grande.
On July 11, 2016, Jean Gabriel García-Charbonier falsely reported to agents of the Puerto Rico Police Department that Christian Aponte-Charbonier sustained his burn injuries while working with an electric generator at the premises of OPAPI Casa Dorada in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, a story that he concocted with Rafael García-Sánchez and Raúl García-Sánchez. After reporting this false information, García-Charbonier accompanied agents of the PR Police Department to the premises of OPAPI Casa Dorada, where they encountered a staged accident scene with a fire-damaged electric generator.
The fourth defendant, Raúl García-Sánchez is charged with one count of accessory after the fact for assisting the other defendants in staging an accident scene involving a fire-damaged electric generator at the premises of OPAPI located in Yabucoa. Raúl García-Sánchez is also charged in one count of obstruction of justice for his role in attempting to cover up the crime.
“Rafael García-Sanchez solicited members of his family to commit an act of violence in an effort to fraudulently collect insurance. The defendants then devised a scheme to conceal their unlawful acts, and the death of Christian Aponte-Charbonier,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of PR. “Insurance fraud, particularly when it results in loss of life, is a serious criminal act and our office will continue to investigate and prosecute to the full extent of the law.”
ATF Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Ari C. Shapira said: “I am proud of the hard working and dedicated men and women of ATF who utilized a broad array of investigative resources to successfully investigate this violent crime. In partnership with the US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico we will continue to fight against lawlessness and protect the public.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Alum and Edward Veronda. If convicted, defendants García-Sánchez, García-Charbonier, and Torres-Lazzu face up to life in prison and García-Sánchez is facing up to 20 years in prison. 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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Individual Arrested for Carjacking MurderRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On April 26, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Jorge L. Rodríguez-Santos, a.k.a. “Macho” for carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and using a firearm during a crime of violence causing murder, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
Pursuant to the indictment, on or about October 10, 2015, in the District of Puerto Rico, Jorge L. Rodríguez-Santos, a.k.a. “Macho”, aiding and abetting others, while carrying a firearm, carjacked, kidnaped, and murdered María L. Mayol-Rivera in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2, 924(j)(1), 1201(a)(1), and 2119(3).
The defendant, along with others not included in the indictment, kidnapped Mayol-Rivera and using the vehicle she was driving, a white Mitsubishi Lancer, took her to a secluded area. There, they shot and killed Mayol-Rivera. They then burned her body and the Lancer.
“This was a senseless murder. The defendant planned and carried out the carjacking of a defenseless victim which resulted in her murder,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue our efforts to hold violent offenders accountable for their crimes.”
“As always, the public’s help is essential to apprehending these violent criminals, and citizens with information are asked to call the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to use the tip line available at our website, http://www.fbi.gov,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life imprisonment. 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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28 Year-Old Teacher Found Guilty of Transportation of A Minor with the Intent of Committing A Criminal Sexual ActRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a nine-day jury trial and four hours of deliberation, Yaira Tanies Cotto-Flores was found guilty of one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Senior Judge Daniel R. Domínguez presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on March 1, 2016, the defendant transported a 14-year-old male student to a motel located in San Lorenzo, PR, with the intent to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Cotto-Flores was the victim’s English teacher. They met at the beginning of the school year and the defendant gave the victim various gifts including an acne treatment kit, a neckband and a Bulova wristwatch.
“The jury found Ms. Cotto-Flores guilty of robbing a child’s innocence,” 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 conviction makes clear, when that trust is violated, there will be severe consequences.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2018 at 10:00am.
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Three Individuals Plead Guilty After Jury Selection in Drug Trafficking TrialRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. –Today, after selecting a jury and hearing the Government’s opening statement, defendants Hector Piedrahita-Sinisterra, José Ciro Segura-Sánchez, and Juan Nolberto González-Ramírez, entered guilty pleas in a drug trafficking case before United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado. These guilty pleas finalized an investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Coast Guard and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
A fourth defendant, Ángel De Jesús Castillo-Godoy had plead guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States on February 12, 2018 and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2018. The defendants now face a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in a drug destruction case prosecuted under Title 46 of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA). Defendants Hector Piedrahita-Sinisterra, Jose Ciro Segura-Sánchez and Juan Nolberto González-Ramírez entered a straight plea after the prosecution’s opening statement. All pled guilty to the four counts: conspiracy to possess a controlled substance on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, aiding and abetting in the possession of controlled substances, conspiracy to destroy property subject to forfeiture under the MDLEA, and aiding and abetting in the destruction of that property.
On September 12, 2016, a Maritime Patrol Aircraft on routine patrol detected a suspicious vessel approximately 200 nautical miles South of Guatemala. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WAESCHE was diverted to intercept the vessel, and dispatched its Dolphin helicopter as well as two small boats to conduct the interdiction. Upon detection of the Coast Guard’s helicopter, the vessel attempted to flee and jettisoned a large fiberglass box over the side of the vessel. After stopping the vessel using warning shots, the helicopter’s crew witnessed the defendants cutting open small packages and dumping them into the water. They also witnessed the defendants hastily change their clothes.
The Coast Guard’s boarding team arrived shortly thereafter and witnessed the individuals dump gasoline all over the vessel, which is a technique sometimes used to attempt to cover up any trace amounts of drugs that may be found on the vessel. When Coast Guard personnel boarded the vessel they were unable to locate any narcotics or the packages jettisoned overboard; however, IONSCAN tests revealed that portions of the vessel, the subjects’ hands, and their belongings, had trace amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine. As a result, the defendants were transported to the District of Puerto Rico for prosecution.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Henek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the U.S. Coast Guard, Sean R. Gajewski.
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Two Individuals Indicted for Fraud Concerning Program Receiving Federal Funds, Bribery, and Aggravated Id TheftRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On April 19, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita and Luis Serrano-Perdigón with conspiracy to obtain property by fraud from a program receiving federal funds, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, aggravated identity theft, and giving a false statement to federal authorities, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
According to the indictment, from May 2011 through in or about May 2013, defendants Arroyo-Amezquita and Serrano-Perdigón conspired to commit an offense against the United States: theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The object of the conspiracy was to use Arroyo-Amezquita’s official position as Director of the Facilities Department within the government of the Municipality of Toa Baja, PR, to benefit and enrich themselves and steal and obtain by fraud property worth at least $5,000 and under the custody and control of the Municipality of Toa Baja.
The defendants submitted material false and misleading quote documentation to personnel of Toa Baja in order to fraudulently obtain municipal contracts and monetary payments. They used a fictitious company, Professional Sales & Service, using the name and signature of a real person with initials J.M. despite the fact that J.M. was not aware of the quotes or the use of his name and signature to submit quotes for contract work from the municipality. They also used a fictitious social security number and email account so payments would be processed under the name Professional Sales & Service and the company would appear legitimate.
Arroyo-Amezquita and Serrano-Perdigón agreed on a price for the work to be performed and then agreed to increase the quote amount submitted under Professional Sales & Service. Arroyo-Amezquita and Serrano-Perdigón also submitted inflated quotes under the name of a company controlled by Serrano-Perdigón, A.L.S. Electronic Service (ALS), so that quotes under the name of Professional Sales & Service would have the lowest cost. Arroyo-Amezquita used his position to deliver quotes to the municipal purchaser with instructions to immediately process the paperwork for the contract at issue, preventing the purchaser from obtaining other quotes or otherwise determining the fictitious nature of Professional Sales & Service.
Contracts awarded to Professional Sales & Service were completed by Serrano-Perdigón or an employee or subcontractor designated by Serrano-Perdigón. After contracts were awarded and payments were made by the municipality to Professional Sales & Service, Serrano-Perdigón would deposit the checks into a bank account he controlled in the name of ALS. Serrano-Perdigón then made cash payments to Arroyo-Amezquita intending to influence and reward Arroyo-Amezquita. From 2011 to 2013, over $140,000 in contracts were awarded and paid by the Municipality of Toa Baja to Professional Sales & Service.
“These defendants knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud the Municipality of Toa Baja which, like many other municipalities in Puerto Rico, is facing dire financial straits, for their personal economic gain,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes and fraud and will hold those who take advantage of their positions, accountable for their actions.”
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five (5) years of imprisonment for the conspiracy to obtain property by fraud from program receiving federal funds, a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment for bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, two (2) to four (4) years mandatory imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft charges, and a maximum sentence of five (5) years of imprisonment for lying to federal authorities. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
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Two Individuals Charged for Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 11, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Eddie Ruiz-Vélez, a state correctional officer, and Yissette Burgos-Santiago, for interference with commerce by robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Ruiz-Vélez is also facing one count for carjacking, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation of the case and arrested both defendants without incident.
On January 21, 2018, Ruiz-Vélez and Burgos-Santiago, aided and abetted by others, planned and robbed a Chinese restaurant in the municipality of Yauco, PR. Burgos-Santiago was an employee of the Chinese restaurant. The defendants unlawfully took approximately $1,200 U.S. currency, from and in the presence of persons, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future, to their person.
On that same date, Ruiz-Vélez, aiding and abetting others, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm took a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce, from and in the presence of a male victim by force, violence, and intimidation while carrying and brandishing a firearm.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille García-Jiménez is in charge of the prosecution case. If convicted, the defendants face from seven years to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, Gabriel Rodríguez-Pacheco, a former Puerto Rico Police Officer was sentenced to 21.8 years in prison for production of child pornography and for possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On August 8, 2017, after a three-day trial, Rodríguez-Pacheco was convicted of 16 counts for separately using three minor females to produce sexually explicit images and videos, and of one count for possessing sexually explicit images of a prepubescent minor, younger than 12 years of age, presumably downloaded from the internet.
During trial, the evidence showed that the Rodríguez-Pacheco requested sexually explicit images from one minor he met online. He took photos of himself having sex with a second minor he met in a fast food restaurant while on duty wearing his police uniform. He also took photos of himself having sex with yet another third minor he knew personally through his family. In each case, he stored the images and videos on his personal computer as part of a collection of images and videos of women with whom he had sex. These images and videos of the minors were Rodríguez-Pacheco’s "trophies" of his many sexual exploits.
"The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Project Safe Childhood, will continue prosecuting sexual predators of minors, especially those in positions of public trust," said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. "Children are the most vulnerable and innocent victims in our society; they deserve every measure of protection we can give them. The public should be reminded to report all inappropriate behavior with children to their local authorities and together, local and federal law enforcement, will see that justice is carried out."
"ICE will not tolerate the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our society and will continue working with our partners in the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate those who exploit our children and deprive them of their innocence," said Orlando Baez, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. "This case is particularly alarming as the defendant held a position of trust as a Puerto Rico Police Department police officer even though he had been suspended at the time of his arrest in March 2015. 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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan, Coordinator of the Project Safe Childhood initiative. The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Carlos Efren Reyes-Rosado, aka Farruko, Arrested for Bulk Cash SmugglingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, Carlos Efren Reyes-Rosado, aka Farruko, was arrested for failure to declare transportation of monetary instruments in excess of $10,000 and bulk cash smuggling into the United States, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Airport Investigations and Tactical Team (AirTAT).
On April 2, 2018, Reyes-Rosado traveled by helicopter from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. When Reyes-Rosado filled out the CBP 6059B form, he indicated that he was not carrying more than $10,0000. He was initially detained at the Isla Grande airport, after a search of his bags revealed that he was carrying approximately $51,802 in US currency in his luggage and in the soles of his shoes in his bags.
On April 3, 2018, US Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin authorized a complaint and the arrest warrant was issued. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:00 pm today.
Assistant U.S. Attorney María L. Montañez is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces a fine of no more than $250,000, imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both; and forfeiture of the property involved in the offense. The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Federal Charges for Weapons TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 26, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging two individuals for trafficking firearms without a license, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation of the case.
The indictment charges Julián A. Sierra-Acevedo, and Jonathan González-Collazo, a.k.a. “Chino” with engaging in the business of firearms trafficking without a license. On March 24, 2018 the defendants herein, aiding and abetting each other, not being licensed dealers of firearms within the meaning of Chapter 44, Title 18, Unites States Code, did willfully sell an AR-15 type rifle, .223 caliber, black in color, of unknown make and model, along with .223 caliber ammunition to an undercover agent.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with state and federal law enforcement agencies, to fight the wave of gun violence in our communities. An essential component of our violence reduction strategy is the prosecution of individuals involved in illegal firearms trafficking,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Pérez-Bouret is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. 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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Two Individuals Charged for Robbery and Carjacking Murder of Orocovis BusinessmanRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 26, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Juan A. Negrón-Rodríguez, 27, and Jonathan Torres-Rojas, 29, for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, carjacking resulting in death, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigation of the case.
On June 12, 2015, Negrón-Rodríguez and Torres-Rojas robbed and carjacked José A. Medina-Meléndez, 67, as he was closing his bar, “El Rejón del Gallo,” in Orocovis. Before they fled in the victim’s stolen 2001 grey Toyota Sequoia, one of the defendants shot and mortally wounded Medina-Meléndez.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández is in charge of the prosecution case. If convicted, the defendants face from 10 years to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ten Individuals Charged with Racketeering, Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and KidnappingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – A 27-count indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto charging ten defendants with racketeering, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, firearms conspiracy, interference with commerce by robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, and the Police of Puerto Rico.
The purpose of the enterprise was to rob trucks carrying valuable merchandise and resell it for profit. The defendants charged in the indictment had different roles within the organization:
- Luis A. Marzan-Oyola, 42, aka Omi, coordinated the robberies; he would contact the members of the organization and give instructions.
- Luis Ortiz-Figueroa, 38, aka Geovanni, would keep control of the security guards during the robberies. Ortiz-Figueroa also drove the robbed trucks.
- Ramon L. Berrios-Cintron, 37, aka Gordo, would keep control of the security guards during the robberies and hold them at gunpoint.
- Jesus M. Rivera-Rios, 40, aka Manny/Prieto, would hold the security guards at gunpoint.
- Angel N. Orozco-Ramos, 32, aka Noel, would keep control of the security guards during the robberies. Orozco-Ramos also jumpstarted and drove the robbed trucks.
- Jose W. Sierra-Lopez, 24, aka Caguita/Menor, drove trucks owned by Rivera-Rios that contained the robbed merchandise. He also off-loaded the merchandise from the robbed trucks.
- Gilberto Ferrer-Rivera, 48, would transport Berrios-Cintron who would hold the security guards at gunpoint during the robberies.
- Samuel I. Cruz-Colon, 31, aka Chamaquito, helped off-load the robbed merchandise.
- Felix E. Morales-Olivo, 57, aka Ricky, would knowingly sell the robbed merchandise.
- William A. Vazquez-Rodriguez, 34, aka Pokemon, brandished a firearm during the April 23, 2017 robbery.
According to the indictment, on April 23, 2017, Marzan-Oyola, Ortiz-Figueroa, Berrios-Cintron, Rivera-Rios, Orozco-Ramos, and Jaime J. Ferrer-Rivera, aka Jimmy (deceased), robbed two trucks carrying alcoholic beverages at gunpoint, from two security guards at the Mendez & Company warehouse in Puerto Nuevo. The merchandise had a value of $107,815.68.
The indictment does not charge Jaime Ferrer-Rivera, a member of the enterprise whose role was to plan the robberies, because he was murdered on August 4, 2017 in Dorado while driving down road PR-696.
On May 9, 2017, Marzan-Oyola, Ortiz-Figueroa, Berrios-Cintron, Rivera-Rios, Orozco-Ramos, Sierra-Lopez, Ferrer-Rivera, Cruz-Colon, Jaime Ferrer-Rivera robbed two containers carrying General Electric appliances valued at $111,000 at gunpoint from one security guard in Haier US Appliance Solution, Inc., a General Electric appliances warehouse in Carolina.
In May 2017, Sierra-Lopez, delivered a truck loaded with robbed merchandise to Morales-Olivo. Morales-Olivo made sure that the robbed merchandise was off-loaded from the truck and sold.
On July 3, 2017, Marzan-Oyola, Ortiz-Figueroa, Berrios-Cintron, Rivera-Rios, Orozco-Ramos, Sierra-Lopez, Ferrer-Rivera, Cruz-Colon, and Jaime Ferrer-Rivera robbed two trucks carrying Kmart merchandise valued at $57,000 at gunpoint from one security guard located at the Francisco Vega-Otero warehouse in Gurabo.
On July 11, 2017, Marzan-Oyola, Ortiz-Figueroa, Berrios-Cintron, Orozco-Ramos, and Jaime Ferrer-Rivera robbed one truck carrying beverages kidnapping the truck’s driver.
On July 19, 2017, Ortiz-Figueroa, Berrios-Cintron, Rivera-Rios, Orozco-Ramos, Sierra-Lopez, and Jaime Ferrer-Rivera robbed two trucks carrying dairy products at gunpoint, from one security guard at the Colomer & Suárez Company in Ponce. As Ortiz-Figueroa fled from the authorities in one of the stolen trucks, he attempted to murder three Police of Puerto Rico officers who were chasing him. He rammed their patrol car several times with the stolen truck. The merchandise was valued at $20,000.
The investigation also revealed that Marzan-Oyola, Rivera-Rios, and Sierra-Lopez had planned to commit another robbery between November and December 2017.
“We thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, and the Police of Puerto Rico for their instrumental support during the investigation of this case,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The investigation in this case is part of a coordinated effort between federal and local law enforcement authorities to combat organizations such as this one who engage in the use of violence to commit robberies. We will continue to work together to keep our communities and businesses safe.”
“The allegations in today’s indictment describe organized crime in its most dangerous form, characterized by wanton acts of violence committed in a manner that demonstrates a complete lack of concern for the lives of others. This is exactly the type of conduct that should be addressed by the use of federal RICO laws to ensure that those responsible receive the maximum possible prison sentence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff. “We express our gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI Ponce Office for making this case, and to all of the brave task force officers and agents of the FBI, DEA, HSI, U.S. Marshals, and Puerto Rico Police Department, who made today’s operation a success.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor O. Acevedo is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face from 20 years to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Three More Individuals Charged for the Añasco Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 14, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a superseding eight-count indictment against Benjamin Melendez-Rivera, Ralph Laboy-Santiago, Miguel Cruz-Kuilan, and Joel Laboy-Rosario for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, and related firearms offenses, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI, the Aguadilla Violent Crimes Task Force of the FBI, and the Police of Puerto Rico’s Bank Robbery Unit are in charge of the investigation.
The superseding indictment alleges that on March 20, 2017, in the District of Puerto Rico, the co-conspirators traveled to a Banco Popular branch in Morovis, Puerto Rico to commit a robbery. The defendants brandished a firearm at an armed courier employed by Econo Supermarket outside of the Banco Popular, and robbed approximately $3,000 in U.S. currency.
On March 23, 2017, the defendants conducted surveillance on a Banco Popular branch in Añasco, in preparation for a robbery. Returning to Añasco on March 30, 2017, Melendez-Rivera took photographs of the Añasco branch. On that same day, two of the co-conspirators robbed and discharged their firearms at a Ranger American armed courier outside of the Banco Popular branch. During the robbery, the armed courier was wounded and two innocent bystanders were killed. The defendants robbed approximately $16,900 in U.S. currency.
The superseding indictment further charges that Melendez-Rivera was found to have taken photographs of another Banco Popular branch located in Puerto Nuevo on October 9, 2017, allegedly in preparation for another robbery.
“Thanks to the joint investigation conducted by the FBI, Aguadilla Task Force officers, and Puerto Rico Police’s Bank Robbery Unit, the members of this alleged armed robbery organization have been apprehended,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We thank our local law enforcement partners for their outstanding work. The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to working actively with local law enforcement to apprehend and bring armed robbery organizations like this one to justice.”
“Today’s arrests by the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) Tactical Operations Unit and FBI SWAT were the result of outstanding detective work by the PRPD Bank Robbery Unit and the FBI Aguadilla and San Juan Offices, with critical assistance provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing. Furthermore, FBI Headquarters has advised the United States Attorney General of the essential role played by our PRDP Task Force Officers in solving this and many other dangerous crimes occurring in Puerto Rico,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff. “We commend the Puerto Rico authorities for committing these dedicated officers to work alongside us, and together we will never stop investigating crimes of violence until justice is fully accomplished through the apprehension of all those responsible”
Benjamin Melendez-Rivera was charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; interference with commerce by robbery (two counts); possession, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (two counts); and as a felon-in-possession (two counts).
Ralph Laboy-Santiago was charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; interference with commerce by robbery (two counts); possession, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (two counts); and as a felon-in-possession (two counts). Laboy-Santiago
Miguel Cruz-Kuilan was charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; interference with commerce by robbery (two counts); possession, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (two counts); and as a felon-in-possession (three counts).
Joel Laboy-Rosario was charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; interference with commerce by robbery (two counts); and possession, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (two counts).
The previous five-count indictment in the case, returned on December 6, 2017, charged only Melendez-Rivera.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent until the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
United States and Colombian Law Enforcement Authorities Execute Arrests in Puerto Rico and Colombia Dismantling International Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – During the past two weeks, United States federal agents, in coordination with Colombian law enforcement authorities, executed 14 arrest warrants in Puerto Rico and Colombia dismantling an international drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine into the United States through Puerto Rico announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez today.
The arrests stem from two indictments filed in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
The first indictment charges Aureliano Acevedo-Hernández, a.k.a. “Ciro/Morado”; John Edinson García-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Pirata”; Dalbelto Rincón, a.k.a. “Bambam/Marco Tulio Sánchez-Muñoz”; Julio Aníbal González-Compres, a.k.a. “Winston”; Jairo Andrés Cruz-Coronel, a.k.a “Jairo/Jairito”; Julio César Rojas-Betancourt, a.k.a. “Fresa”; Campo Edison Quintero-Arturo, a.k.a. “Coronel”; Luis Alberto Jaimes-Nuñez, a.k.a. “Beto”; and Jairo Gómez-Guerra, a.k.a. “Jairito” among others with conspiracy to possess, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances for purposes of unlawful importation into the United States; and possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances for purposes of unlawful importation into the United States. The indictment contains a forfeiture allegation for the proceeds obtained as a result of the organization’s illegal activities, and property used to commit or to facilitate the commission of the crime.
The second indictment charges Miguel Ángel Agosto-Pacheco, a.k.a. “Chino”; Jerry Omar Hernández-Peña; Anthony Jael Abreu-Matos; Luis Ángel Ramos-Cordero; Juan Tapia-Soto; and another person with conspiracy to import controlled substances; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and attempted possession of controlled substances. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation for the proceeds obtained as a result of the organization’s illegal activities, and property used to commit or to facilitate the commission of the crime. These defendants were arrested in Vieques, Fajardo, and Levittown in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
“These arrests are a strong indication of the success of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program in the fight against drug trafficking. The arrests dismantled an organization that coordinated the importation of thousands of kilograms of cocaine into Puerto Rico from Colombia. The individuals named in these indictments are now facing long terms of imprisonment,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue maximizing our multi-agency and international efforts and will combine resources to investigate and prosecute those who disregard our laws and smuggle drugs into our jurisdiction, and increase the incidence of violent crimes in our communities.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, AJ Collazo, stated, “We will remain resilient in DEA’s mission, tracking and dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations as this one. Our agency’s joint efforts with federal, local and foreign host nation counterparts like the Colombian Cuerpo Técnico de Investigaciones (CTI) will continue to be focused on aggressively pursuing the members of these organizations across the sea, to let them know that drug trafficking and money laundering through our region will not be tolerated.”
The arrests are the result of a long-term international drug trafficking investigation led by special agents from the DEA in Puerto Rico and the “Cuerpo Técnico de Investigaciones” (CTI) in Colombia under Operation Devil’s Trail. The investigation has resulted in the seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine and the arrest of 30 defendants under 7 different indictments filed in the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI, IRS, United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Puerto Rico Police Maritime Unit “Fuerzas Unidas de Rápida Acción” (FURA), and Colombian prosecutors from “Dirección Especializada Contra Lavado de Activos” (DECLA) also participated in this investigation.
Operation Devil’s Trail is part of the 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.
The investigation was coordinated by Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Carlos R. Cardona, lead OCDETF attorney in Puerto Rico and Prosecutor Alfredo Vasquez Macias in Colombia. The cases are being prosecuted in Puerto Rico by AUSAs Carlos R. Cardona and Laura Montes, under the supervision AUSA Julia Diaz, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Unit.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs Section of the United States Department of Justice, Special Operation Division in Chantilly, Virginia; the United States Department of Justice Office of International Affairs; the office of the Judicial Attaché of the US Embassy in Colombia; DEA special agents in Bogota, Colombia; and the Colombian CTI and DECLA for their assistance and support provided in this investigation.
The defendants are facing terms of imprisonment from 10 years to life. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Three Individuals Indicted for Conspiracy to Possess and Import Cocaine Worth over $15 MillionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 7, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a three-count indictment against three defendants charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The defendants Erix Manuel Rodríguez-López; Juan Carlos Castillo-Vasquez; and José Nicolas Auitian-Bohorquez conspired to possess with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
This interdiction was the result of ongoing, multi-agency federal law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Unified Resolve, Operation Caribbean Guard and the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF).
On March 1, 2018, the crew of a patrolling CBP maritime patrol aircraft from the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) detected a suspicious 30-foot go-fast vessel with visible packages on deck transiting without navigational lights, approximately 50 nautical miles south of Ponce, Puerto Rico. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Horsley conducted the interdiction of the suspicious 30-foot long fast boat. Upon boarding the vessel, USCG found the defendants in possession of 30 bales containing approximately 900 kilograms of cocaine. The three individuals were detained by USCG and turned over to FBI agents from the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF) for processing, along with the seized narcotics.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation along with agents from the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF), with the collaboration of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO), CBP Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO), CBP United States Border Patrol (CBP USBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PR Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA).
The CCSF is an initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which investigates South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics using the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States. The initiative is composed of DEA, HSI, FBI, US Coast Guard, US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and PRPD’s Joint Forces for Rapid Action.
Special Assistant US Attorney Sean Gajewski is in charge of the prosecution of the case, under the supervision of Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Díaz-Rex, Deputy Chief of the International Narcotics Unit. 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.
Four Individuals Indicted for Trafficking in Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 7, 2018, a Federal grand jury returned a 28-count indictment charging four individuals with mail and wire fraud conspiracy, mail fraud, trafficking in counterfeit goods, introducing misbranded articles into interstate commerce, distribution of a controlled substance, international money laundering, and smuggling, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigation, and US Postal Inspectors were in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Departamento de Hacienda).
According to the indictment, defendants Carlos Enrique Velázquez-Gines, Mayra Evelise Gines-Otero, Noriam Ivette Flores-Deleon, and Vanessa Marrero-Hernández marketed and offered numerous purported “dietary supplements” for male enhancement or weight loss, which were in fact “drugs” under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) for sale to American consumers. Defendants marketed and sold the products through “online stores” on platforms such as eBay.com and Bonanzo.com, using seller name “lostchildinpr” and “deleon1988.” The products listed in the indictment include: Foreign-labeled product, XXXplosion, Power, Hard Ten Days, Zhansheng Weige, ExtenZe, ExtenZe Plus, La Pepa Negra, Lang Yi Hao, FX3000, Shark Extract, Black Storm, USA Power, Plant Vigra, Para Hombres Paradise, Jack Rabbit, Rhino 12 Titanium, Rhino 69, African Black Ant, Paradise Ultra Plus, Figa XP, U-fit, Natural Max Slimming Advanced – Appetite Reducer, and Natural Max Slimming Advanced – Fat Burner.
Many of the counterfeit male-enhancement pills contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient (sildenafil), found in popular and well-known products such as “Viagra” and “Cialis,” and these products do not advertise that pharmaceutical ingredient. Defendants also sold counterfeit condoms. Male latex condoms are medical “devices” under the FDCA.
The defendants also marketed and offered for sale purported Kylie Cosmetics brand products, including lipstick kits. Lipstick is a “cosmetic” under the FDCA. Analysis of the purported Kylie Lip Kit distributed by defendants was conducted by FDA/manufacturer, which confirmed that the lipstick and its labeling were counterfeit.
The object of the conspiracy was for defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves by purchasing from overseas suppliers, illegally importing into the United States, and subsequently selling to American consumers, FDA-regulated products that were counterfeit and/or misbranded. From at least on or about October 3, 2013 defendants purchased from overseas suppliers located in China, and imported into the United States “dietary supplements,” latex condoms, and make-up, that were counterfeit and/or misbranded under the FDCA. In an effort to evade detection by law enforcement, when ordering the illegal products from China, defendants had the packages shipped to a trans-shipper located in Miami, Florida, who would then re-package and/or re-label the parcels and send them to defendants in Puerto Rico.
Defendants mailed and caused to be mailed through the United States Postal Service numerous packages to customers across the United States containing counterfeit and/or misbranded products. They used a residence located in Villa Blanca, Manatí, P.R. as a warehouse to store and distribute the unlawful products they purchased from overseas suppliers and re-sold to customers. The defendants also distributed wholesale quantities of the counterfeit and/or misbranded products imported from overseas to wholesale buyers. Defendant Carlos Enrique Velázquez-Gines, initiated numerous wire transfers of funds to overseas suppliers to pay for the unlawful products purchased and imported by the defendants.
“These defendants sold counterfeit and misbranded medical devices, as well as counterfeit and misbranded male-enhancement pills. Some of these medications contained drugs that the consumers were not aware of and could cause danger to their health, including heart attacks or strokes,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the FDA to protect the public from adulterated and misbranded products, and to ensure that dietary supplement sellers provide accurate information about their products.”
“Americans must have confidence that the FDA-regulated products they use are authentic, safe and properly labeled,” said Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, FDA OCI’s Miami Field Office. “We remain fully committed to aggressively pursuing those who place unsuspecting U.S. consumers at risk by distributing illegal drugs, devices or cosmetics.”
“The trafficking of counterfeit goods is simply illegal and in some cases, as this, it becomes a problem of public health and safety and at times threatens national security,” said Orlando Baez, the acting special agent in charge who oversees HSI operations throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “This illegal activity represents a triple threat as it delivers substandard and often dangerous goods into the economy, rob citizens of good-paying jobs, and generate proceeds that are often funneled back into other criminal enterprises. HSI will continue to work with its enforcement partners to combat the distribution of counterfeit products especially those who that endanger public health.”
Consumers can contact FDA’s MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report suspected serious adverse events, product quality problems, or product use errors associated with the use of an FDA-regulated product, as well as suspected counterfeit medical products.
Defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of $3,699,901.94, six properties or homes, two bank accounts, one Pay Pal account, and three certificates of deposit. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 30 years for the conspiracy charges, 10 years for trafficking counterfeit goods, three years for introducing and receiving misbranded products in interstate commerce. Velázquez-Gines is also facing up to 20 years in prison for international money laundering and 20 years for smuggling. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Veronda. 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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Thirty-One Year-Old Man Found Guilty of Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a three-day jury trial and two hours of deliberation, Byron H. Montijo-Maysonet was found guilty of one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and four counts of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with a minor, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on November 24, 2015, the defendant along with co-defendant, Luis Meléndez-Ramos, transported one 13-year-old female minor and one 14-year-old minor from their middle school in Manatí, PR, to a motel located in Barceloneta, PR, with the intent to engage in sexual activity. The defendant and Mr. Meléndez-Ramos used an internet instant messaging service to persuade one of the minors to return to the motel this time with a different 13-year-old female minor. On November 30, 2015, the defendant and Mr. Meléndez-Ramos picked up the two minor 13-year-old girls from their middle school and transported them to the motel to engage in sexual activity.
“This conviction shows the commitment of our state and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute criminals whose crimes victimize children,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico will continue to prosecute sexual predators in order to protect the vulnerable victims of these crimes, our children.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas W. Cannon and Ginette Milanes. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2018.
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Woman Sentenced for Injecting Adulterated Liquid SiliconeRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Senior US District Court Judge Daniel Domínguez sentenced Rosa Betancourt-Farfán to 15 months in prison and one year of supervised release for injecting liquid silicone, an adulterated and misbranded device used for body-contouring, announced US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Betancourt-Farfán was arrested and indicted in December 2016 and pled guilty on May 12, 2017. The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) was in charge of the investigation.
According to the information gathered during the investigation, liquid silicone is sometimes injected into the body to “augment” tissues, such as the buttocks or breasts. When intended for tissue augmentation, liquid silicone is a “device” under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and is subject to FDA approval before it can legally be distributed and used for such use in the United States. FDA has not approved any liquid silicone products for injection to augment tissues anywhere in the body. In addition, the injection of liquid silicone into the body for tissue augmentation can result in serious adverse health consequences, including hardening of tissue at the injection site, embolization, and even death.
On or about May 23, 2016, Puerto Rico Board of Health, Legal Division, contacted the FDA-OCI to advise of a complainant who received medical procedures from a female individual who claimed to be a nurse. It was further indicated that the complainant received treatment to enlarge his/her buttocks and that the female individual was identified as “Rosa from Venezuela” (later identified as Rosa Betancourt-Farfán).
The complainant was interviewed by FDA-OCI agents and indicated that she had been injected in both glutes with one (1) vial by Betancourt-Farfán, for which she paid twelve hundred dollars ($1,200.00) in cash, but was having health problems during the summer of 2013. These problems consisted first with trouble breathing and back pain. Her health condition worsened on or about 2015, when she was hospitalized with tendonitis and back spasms.
“Your life is in danger if you have received any of these adulterated treatments. We urge people not to trust those who claim to be medical professionals and offer treatments outside of certified medical offices victimizing patients. The US Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting patients from medical frauds,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
“Liquid silicone injected into individuals’ bodies can cause serious harm and even death, and FDA has not approved any such product for body contouring,” said Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations’ Miami Field Office. “We will continue to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who endanger American consumers by offering these hazardous procedures.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Myriam Fernández prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the FDA, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.
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Two Individuals Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 28, 2018 a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against two defendants charged with conspiracy to import a controlled substance, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF) is in charge of the investigation, with the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services as the lead agency, and the collaboration of Customs and Border Protection, Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) Marine Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
The indictment alleges that on or about February 20, 2018, defendants Jamaico Jedi, a.k.a. “Jan Michael Jedi”, and Rafael Britto Paulino, a.k.a. “Rafael Britto/Raffi Britto/Raffy Britto,” conspired to possess with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and conspired to import five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine to Puerto Rico
The defendants are also facing one charge of conspiracy to destroy property subject to forfeiture. The defendants were navigating a 33ft “yola-type” vessel when agents from the U.S. Coast Guard detained them approximately four nautical miles from Rincon in Puerto Rico. The defendants threw overboard square objects that the USCG crewmembers identified as bales of suspected illegal narcotics. Upon further investigation, cocaine was found to be present both on the surface of the vessel and the defendants’ hands. Defendants are also facing a charge of attempted improper entry into the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Montes and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Gajewski are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison for the drug conspiracy charges. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The CCSF is an initiative of the U.S. Attorney's Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) that investigates South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics using the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States. The initiative is composed of DEA, HSI, FBI, US Coast Guard, US Attorney Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and PRPD's Joint Forces for Rapid Action.
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Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, U.S. District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado sentenced Luis Javier Correa-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Barney/Gordo” to life imprisonment for firearm offenses, a controlled substance offense, assaulting federal officers, and willfully injuring property of the United States, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The DEA, FBI, and Puerto Rico Police Department Strike Force Unit were in charge of the investigation of this case.
On April 4, 2017, Correa-Figueroa was found guilty by a jury of 16 counts, including: being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; illegal possession of a machinegun; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; three counts of willfully injuring property of the United States; eight counts of assault upon a federal officer; and one count of attempt to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.
During trial, the government proved that on July 7, 2015, Correa-Figueroa intended to exchange two firearms in his possession for cocaine. The exchange was to occur at the Plaza Guaynabo Shopping Center in the area of the parking lot. After receiving confirmation the defendant was in possession of the two firearms (one of which was modified to fire in a fully automatic mode), DEA agents intervened with the defendant to execute the arrest. Correa-Figueroa drove away, in an attempt to flee from law enforcement. He was ultimately apprehended at the scene. Correa-Figueroa’s actions resulted in the damage to three parked civilian vehicles and three official government vehicles.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vanessa Bonhomme and Maria Montañez.
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Two Agents from Puerto Rico Treasury Department (“Hacienda”) Sentenced for Accepting Bribes and ExtortionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – US District Court Chief Judge Aida Delgado-Colón sentenced two former Treasury Department employees for extortion, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The investigation was led by the FBI.
On March 2, 2017, a Federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Edwin Aponte-Hernández and Eduardo Collazo-Torres, two agents from the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, (“Hacienda”) charging them with one count of extortion and one count of accepting bribes in their role as agents for the Puerto Rico Treasury Department. Aponte-Hernández pled guilty to one count of extortion on August 31, 2017and was sentenced to six months in prison, six months of home incarceration, one year of supervised release, and 150 hours of community service. Collazo-Torres pled guilty to one count of extortion on October 12, 2017, and was sentenced to one year of home incarceration, three years of probation, and 150 hours of community service.
The government’s evidence showed that on or about June 10, 2015, Aponte-Hernández and Collazo-Torres, confiscated three (3) Adult Entertainment Machines that had expired licenses from a store in Rio Piedres, Puerto Rico. The owner of the machines contacted Aponte-Hernández who demanded $3,000.00 for the return of the machines and a waiver of the fine. The owner of the machines negotiated with Aponte-Hernández and Collazo-Torres and the parties eventually agreed that the owner of the machines would pay $1,500.00 in cash to the agents in exchange for the return of the machines.
Later that same day, the owner of the machines met with Aponte-Hernández and Collazo-Torres and in exchange for $1,500.00 was given the entertainment machines. The defendant and other agents then split the $1,500.00 between them. This cash payment was never reported to Hacienda and the defendants did not have authority to negotiate this illicit transaction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon. The case was investigated by the FBI, with the collaboration of the PR Treasury Department.
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Juan E. Seary-Colón, a.k.a. “Ricky Diablo” Found Guilty of Hobbs Act Robbery and MurderRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Yesterday, after a four-day jury trial, a jury found Juan E. Seary-Colón, a.k.a. “Ricky Diablo” guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and murder, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) were in charge of the investigation. On April 19, 2012, Seary-Colón was charged in a four-count indictment with interference of commerce by robbery, possession, and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, and possession of a firearm by prohibited person.
During trial, the government showed that on April 3, 2012, Juan E. Seary-Colón, aka “Ricky Diablo,” entered Piezas Importadas Inc., a business dedicated to the sale of automobile parts in Carolina, PR, and without warning shot the manager, David Méndez-Calderón, killing him. The government presented eyewitness testimony that narrated how the defendant and another assailant entered the store, shot Mr. Méndez-Calderón, and stole approximately $1,000.00 from Piezas Importadas’ employees. Seary-Colón was identified by eyewitnesses in the days after the robbery and was arrested by PRPD on April 6, 2012. The defendant will be sentenced on June 5, 2018 before the Honorable District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi.
“I hope that this conviction will help Mr. Méndez-Calderón’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.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas Cannon and Scott Anderson.
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Mi Salud Program Technician Sentenced to Four Years in Prison in Bribery and Health Care Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On February 22, 2018, defendant Karen Curet-Nieves was sentenced to a term of 48 months (four years) of imprisonment, and two years of supervised release term by District Judge Pedro A. Delgado for her participation in a bribery and health care fraud scheme that occurred from approximately July 2014 through October 2015 at the Programa de Asistencia Médica office in Santurce, Puerto Rico, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Curet-Nieves was also ordered to pay restitution in an amount of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) to the United States Department of Health and Human Services and to complete 100 hours of community service. Curet-Nieves previously entered a guilty plea to three separate counts charging her with bribery, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 666(a)(1)(B), 1347, 1349, and 1028A.
Curet-Nieves was a Program Technician at the Programa de Asistencia Médica office in Santurce who evaluated and determined eligibility of Mi Salud applicants, input data in the Medicaid Integrated Technology Initiative (“MEDITI”) system, and fraudulently approved Mi Salud benefits for otherwise ineligible participants in exchange for cash payments. The fraudulent enrollment of these health plan participants caused federal funds to be paid to Managed Care Organizations for monthly premiums and utilization of the health care plans.
Curet-Nieves received the names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses of individuals from co-conspirators for purposes of fraudulently enrolling individuals into the health care benefit programs. In exchange for a cash bribe, Curet-Nieves fraudulently enrolled individuals into the Mi Salud health care benefits program with the MEDITI database without conducting an interview and without determining the individual’s eligibility. Curet-Nieves approved twenty to thirty unqualified individuals per week into the Mi Salud program for a payment of $10.00 each.
On February 24, 2016, a Federal grand jury indicted Curet-Nieves, two other agents of the Programa de Asistencia Médica, and five additional individuals that participated in this bribery and health care fraud scheme. Luis González-Cordova, a clerk in the Santurce office, pled guilty on August 25, 2016 to bribery, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B), 1347, 1349, and 1028A. González-Cordova was sentenced on May 26, 2017, to twenty-four (24) months and one day of imprisonment and ordered to pay twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in restitution to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Orlando Negrón-Bonilla, a program technician in the Santurce office, pled guilty on November 9, 2016 to aggravated identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Negrón-Bonilla was sentenced on March 17, 2017 to twenty-four (24) months of imprisonment and ordered to pay twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in restitution to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The remaining five individuals, Ruben Escalera-Rivera, Perfecto De León-Toribio, Luis Caceres-De León, Luis Ángel García-Rosa, and Andrea Jiménez-De Jesús, acted as “runners,” soliciting and referring individuals to González-Cordova for their fraudulent entry into the Medicaid health care benefit programs. Each entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, a felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347, 1349.
The runners would recruit individuals to be fraudulently enrolled into the Medicaid health care benefits programs in exchange for cash bribes and monetary payments without personally meeting with the individuals to determine their eligibility as required by PR-DOH procedures. The runners delivered cash bribes to González-Cordova and upon receiving the personal identification information, including names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses, from the runners, González-Cordova would provide it to Curet-Nieves or Negrón-Bonilla by text or handwritten note for entry into the MEDITI database. Curet-Nieves and Negrón-Bonilla fraudulently certified the participants as eligible to receive Medicaid health care benefits.
The Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”) is a federal health benefit program intended to provide benefits to low-income individuals and families. Medicaid is monitored and funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) through its agency, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”). In the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Medicaid is referred to in Spanish as “Mi Salud,” or “Plan de Salud del Gobierno” (PSG). Mi Salud beneficiaries included Medicaid participants and “state only funded health care recipients,” commonly referred to as “Commonwealth participants.” An individual’s eligibility for Medicaid or Commonwealth health care benefits depends on certain eligibility requirements.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, with the collaboration of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Anti-Fraud Unit, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe.
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Justice Department Coordinates Nationwide Elder Fraud Sweep of More Than 250 DefendantsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly. The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts. Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally. In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars. The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.
Attorney General Sessions was joined in the announcement by FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell; FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and Kansas Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General Derek Schmidt.
“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Today’s actions send a clear message: we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are. When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”
The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians. A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim. The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.
“Winners. That’s what so many of the people who received these solicitations in the mail thought they were. But they’re not. They are victims of scams that Postal Inspectors have seen and investigated for decades. In fact, some of the same operators we encountered 20 years ago are back. But so are we. Yesterday, Postal Inspectors around the country executed search warrants on 14 locations that some of these same operators used to run their scams. We’re letting the American public know – and especially our vulnerable older Americans – that Postal Inspectors are working hard to protect them and ensure their confidence in the U.S. Mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell.
“Over the last year, the FBI has initiated more than 200 financial crimes cases involving elderly victims who were devastated financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. Picking up the pieces of these fraud schemes can be equally as traumatizing for the caregivers of these elderly victims,” said Acting Deputy Director Bowdich. “The FBI reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant. If any person believes they are the victim of, or have knowledge of fraud involving an elderly person, regardless of the loss amount, they should report it to the FBI.”
U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez stated: “Our office has been in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Justice (PRDOJ) to identify and investigate matters involving elderly victims. Law enforcement will not stand by as criminals attempt to fleece a very vulnerable group of our community, our elders. These criminals disrupt their lives by stealing their savings and destroying their credit through calculated and pervasive fraud schemes. I urge everyone to take steps to protect their personally identifiable information (PII) from criminals who seek illicit profits through stolen identity fraud.”
During the DOJ sweep, the District of Puerto Rico charged two defendants with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, the purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves by obtaining bank account information and personal identifying information (social security number, date of birth, address as well as credit/debit card and PIN numbers), and using that information to withdraw funds from the victims’ accounts for their own benefit and use. The ages of the victims ranged from 69 to 83 years old. In an unrelated case, another defendant was the main receptionist of a one-person Doctor’s office for fourteen years. The Doctor/victim was sixty-six years of age at the time of Indictment. In the last four years of her employment, the defendant embezzled approximately $285,929.75 in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement funds into her personal account, for her own benefit.
Actions against the Mass-mailing Fraud Industry
As part of the initiative, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and others, brought numerous cases this past week in a coordinated strike against more than 43 mass-mailing fraud operators, including criminal charges against six individuals. In addition, law enforcement agents executed 14 premises search warrants from Las Vegas to south Florida, served numerous asset seizure warrants, and coordinated with the Vancouver Police in Canada, who executed over 20 warrants, including search warrants on business premises.
“The defendants targeted elderly and vulnerable consumers both in the United States and abroad, using U.S. addresses and the U.S. mails to try to legitimize their fraudulent schemes,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard P. Donoghue. “They sold false promises of life-changing prizes that never came true. We will pursue the perpetrators of these mail schemes wherever they are located, and hold them accountable.”
These recently filed cases particularly targeted transnational criminal actors who collectively defrauded at least a million victims out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Indeed, just one of the schemes prosecuted criminally by the Consumer Protection Branch operated from 14 foreign countries to cost American victims more than $30 million. Click here for map showing a transnational, single fraud scheme.
Mass-mailing fraud inflicts hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to elderly U.S. victims each year. Department prosecutors and U.S. Postal Inspectors have taken a comprehensive approach to combatting this fraud, disrupting and prosecuting individuals who manage the schemes, artists who draft the fraudulent solicitations, list brokers who supply victim lists, and individuals who collect victim payments.
Actions against other elder fraud schemes
Prosecutors across the country from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices have heeded the call to focus resources on elder fraud cases. Over 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department Components filed elder fraud cases in the last year. Some examples of the elder financial exploitation prosecuted by the Department include:
- “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings;
- “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money;
- “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose;
- “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes;
- “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.
Many of these cases illustrate how an elderly American can lose his or her life savings to a duplicitous relative, guardian, or stranger who gains the victim’s trust. The devastating effects these cases have on victims and their families, both financially and psychologically, make prosecuting elder fraud a key Department priority.
Public Education
The Department has partnered with Senior Corps, a national service program administered by the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service, to educate seniors and prevent further victimization. The Senior Corps program engages more than 245,000 older adults in intensive service each year, who in turn, serve more than 840,000 additional seniors, including 332,000 veterans.
Using its vast network operating in more than 30,000 locations, Senior Corps volunteers will communicate about elder fraud to potential victims across the country and will use their skills, knowledge and experience to educate their peers and caregivers about the most prolific types of schemes and how to avoid them.
Coordination with state officials
Kansas Attorney General Schmidt highlighted the cases filed by state Attorneys General targeting elder frauds within in the sweep period, and he emphasized efforts at the state level to combat elder abuse and protect seniors from fraud and exploitation. He encouraged all of the state Attorneys General to devote enforcement and public education resources to preventing financial exploitation of senior citizens.
Coordination with foreign law enforcement
Exceptional assistance from foreign law enforcement partners amplified the effectiveness of the Department’s initiative. The sweep announced today benefited greatly from the work of the International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), a network of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Europol, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The IMMFWG is co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Justice and FTC, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom, and serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents. Attorney General Sessions expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts of the working group, including law enforcement action taken as part of the sweep by the Vancouver Police Department in Canada to halt mass mailing schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims worldwide.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Role in National Conspiracy to Sell Identity Documents to Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
A Dominican national pleaded guilty 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. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico, Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Inspector in Charge Craig Goldberg of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chicago Division made the announcement.
Reynaldo Rodriguez-Canario, aka Reinaldo Rodriguez, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Reinaldo Canario, Jose Almonte, Jose Martinez, Matatan and Ciego, 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos O. Lopez of the District of Puerto Rico to one count of conspiracy to possess and transfer identification documents, one count of conspiracy to encourage an alien to reside in the United States for financial gain, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
“The illegal sale of identity documents to individuals illegally residing in the United States undermines the integrity of our lawful immigration system and threatens our nation’s public safety and national security,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Participants in the black market for identity documents should be on notice: the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners will not allow this kind of illegal activity to continue.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico takes identity theft very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “The protection of the integrity of vital identity documents such as social security numbers and birth certificates, is a crucial preemptive measure in our fight against terrorism, immigration offenses, and fraud. We commend the hard work of ICE, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents and Criminal Division Trial Attorneys in the investigation and prosecution of this scheme. Those who engage in large-scale identity theft schemes should be on notice that they will be prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Criminals who conspire to exploit our nation’s citizenship and immigration services for financial gain not only pose as a severe security threat but also undermine our laws,” said ICE Deputy Director Homan. “This case is another excellent example of ICE’s document and benefit fraud task force engaging other federal and international agencies to combat this criminal enterprise.”
“This defendant utilized the U.S. mail to further his scheme of trafficking stolen and fictitious identities,” said Inspector in Charge Goldberg. “Even though this case spanned multiple countries and 38 states across our great nation, it did not deter the U.S. Postal Inspection Service from aggressively investigating and bringing the defendant to justice. We want to thank the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Justice for partnering with the Postal Inspection Service to end Mr. Rodriguez-Canario’s criminal enterprise. Identity theft is a serious crime affecting countless people; devastating their finances, personal credit ratings, and families. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to ensure confidence and integrity in the U.S. mail system.”
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Rodriguez-Canario obtained identity documents of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens, usually consisting of birth certificates, social security cards and driver’s licenses, and shipped them to co-conspirators in the United States. According to Rodriguez-Canario, his conspirators sold social security cards and corresponding Puerto Rican birth certificates to individuals illegally residing on the mainland United States for prices ranging from $500 to $1,300 per set. The defendant admitted that the conspirators used money transfer services and the U.S. mail to complete their illicit transactions. Rodriguez-Canario also admitted that he knew that the customers who purchased the identity documents intended to commit social security fraud and other criminal offenses.
Pursuant to his plea agreement, Rodriguez-Canario agreed to be removed to the Dominican Republic upon the completion of any sentence of incarceration and supervision imposed by the Court. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 22 before District Judge Juan M. Pérez-Giménez.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with assistance from the HSI San Juan, Puerto Rico. The HSI Assistant Attaché office in the Dominican Republic and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center provided invaluable support, with assistance from ICE and U.S. Postal Inspection Service offices around the country.
Trial Attorneys Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Puerto Rico is providing assistance 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.
Two Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 14, 2018, federal authorities arrested Ricardo Barrios-Calderon and Alfredo Santiago-Rosario charging them with child pornography related offenses, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that led to the arrests.
On February 14, 2018, a criminal complaint charged Ricardo Barrios-Calderon with production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e) and with possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A(a)(5)(B) and (b)(2).
In an unrelated case, on February 14, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a two-count-indictment charging Alfredo Santiago-Rosario with advertising child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(d)(1)(A) and (e), and with possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B) and (b)(2).
If convicted, both defendants face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a possible maximum term of imprisonment of up to 30 years. Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea is in charge of the prosecution of defendant Barrios-Calderon and Assistant United States Attorney Ginette Milanes is in charge of the prosecution of Santiago-Rosario.
The public is reminded that criminal complaints and indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Former San Juan Municipal Police Officer Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Violating the Rico Act in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, U.S. District Court Judge Jay A. García-Gregory sentenced former San Juan Municipal Police officer Carlos Velázquez-Fontanez to 40 years in prison for RICO Act violations, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) San Juan and Carolina Strike Forces were in charge of the investigation, with the assistance of PRPD’s Major Crimes Unit.
After a 17-day jury trial, on November 9, 2016, Velázquez-Fontanez was found guilty of racketeering, drug trafficking, drive-by shooting murders and related firearm offenses. During trial, the government presented photos, videos, other documentary evidence, and witness testimonies that proved that the defendant had been participating actively in the drug trafficking organization "La Rompe ONU" and found him guilty of all charges against him.
"La Rompe ONU" was a criminal organization that sold crack, cocaine, heroin, and marihuana in public housing projects, including: Jardines del Paraíso, Villa Andalucía, Alturas de Cupey, Jardines de Cupey, Brisas de Cupey, Los Claveles, Nuestra Señora de Covodonga, Los Lirios, Jardines de Monte Hatillo, Jardines de Campo Rico, Jardines de Berwind, San Martín, Monte Park, and Villa Lomas Verdes Public Housing Projects; as well as El Polvorín Ward, Mango Sector and other surrounding areas within the municipalities of San Juan, Trujillo Alto and Carolina, PR. Members of the organization used violence and intimidation, including murder, to increase the power, territory, and profits of "La Rompe ONU."
According to the evidence presented during trial, Velázquez-Fontanez participated during a drive-by shooting known as the "Tortuguero Massacre." On June 25, 2011, during a "drive-by" shooting, enforcers from the organization shot and killed Edwin Díaz-Cruz, Hervin Valcarcel-Martínez, aka "Prieto," Javier Catala-Bermúdez, and Orlando Meléndez-Villegas.
"We remain undeterred in our commitment to ensure safety and seek justice for victims of violent crimes in Puerto Rico," said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. "‘I thank our team of prosecutors and our federal law enforcement partners for the teamwork they showed in leading us to a successful outcome. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to build solid cases against violent criminals and bring them to justice."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández were in charge of the prosecution of the case. They were assisted by Attorney from the United States Department of Justice’s Capital Crimes Section and Organized Crime and Gang Section. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) were in charge of the investigation.
Federal Charges for Weapons Trafficking and CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 8, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging three individuals for trafficking firearms without a license, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation of the case.
The indictment charges Helmer Colón-Figueroa, Erick Cotto-Romero, and Luis Estrada-Rivera with conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking without a license. The object of the conspiracy was to purchase firearms in the State of Florida, transport them to Puerto Rico, and sell them to other individuals in Puerto Rico, for profit.
Helmer Colón-Figueroa is also facing charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of nine pistols, seven rifles and a money judgment of $47,300. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, and up to 10 years for possession of a machine gun and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In an unrelated case, Puerto Rico Police Department officers arrested Adriel Carrasquillo-Carmona for carjacking. On Saturday, February 3, 2018, Carrasquillo-Carmona, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, took a gray 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle from the presence of a 70-year-old male victim causing him serious bodily injury. The defendant struck the victim in the head and body with a sledgehammer several times. The victim struggled with Carrasquillo-Carmona, who after beating him reached inside the victim’s pockets and took a cell phone, $800 and the vehicle. The defendant was arrested on February 4 and the FBI assumed jurisdiction. If convicted, Carrasquillo-Carmona faces up to 25 years in prison.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with all the law enforcement agencies, federal and state, to fight the wave of crime that is alarming our communities in Puerto Rico,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Acevedo-Hernández is in charge of the prosecution of the firearms case and AUSA Marie Christine Amy is in charge of the prosecution of the carjacking case. 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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CBP Officer Indicted and Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 1, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a four-count indictment against Alfredo Maysonet-Galarza, charging child pornography related offenses, announced today Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General are in charge of the investigation.
The defendant, who is a current U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, is charged with advertising, receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography. During the year 2015, Maysonet-Galarza used a well-known peer-to-peer file-sharing program to advertise for sharing certain videos and images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment alleges that Maysonet-Galarza downloaded several videos depicting several female minors under 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit acts with adult males. Maysonet-Galarza is also charged with knowingly possessing over 1,000 images and videos involving prepubescent minors engaging in similar sexually explicit conduct. The images and videos had been shipped or transported using a means and/or facility of interstate and foreign commerce, and were produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer.
The defendant also faces a Forfeiture Allegation that includes the forfeiture of all materials or property used, or intended to be used in the receipt, distribution, or possession of child pornography.
“The defendant’s conduct in this case is particularly troubling due to his role as a federal law enforcement officer,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Individuals who advertise, receive, possess, or distribute child pornography work hard to evade law enforcement and disguise what they are doing. For every tactic taken to evade law enforcement, we will adapt our strategies to find them and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This case demonstrates that there are serious consequences for advertising, receiving, possessing, and distributing illegal images of innocent children being sexually exploited and traumatized,” said Orlando Baez, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan. “Predators who victimize innocent children for selfish gratification must know that we will not rest until they are brought to justice. Words cannot describe the harm that these crimes inflict on children. Working with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate predators and ensure that they feel the full weight of the law.”
If found guilty, Maysonet-Galarza faces a potential sentence of no less than 15 years of imprisonment up to a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo, under the supervision of AUSA Marshal Morgan, Chief of the Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Two Individuals Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On February 1st, a Federal grand jury returned a thirteen-count indictment charging Joel De Jesús-Ocasio and Marangelis Rivera-Colón with wire fraud and false statements in loan applications, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) are in charge of the investigation.
According to the indictment, since 2004 Joel De Jesús-Ocasio was a licensed life insurance broker/agent who worked for National Western Life Insurance Company. In 2010, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Puerto Rico (CIPR) revoked De Jesús-Ocasio’s insurance broker license and as a result, on or about February 14, 2011, National Western Life Insurance Company suspended its contract with the defendant. Marangelis Rivera-Colón was not an insurance agent, but De Jesús-Ocasio submitted false insurance license documentation in her name to National Western Life Insurance Company so that De Jesús-Ocasio could continue to sell insurance policies and annuities.
From December 2010 to November 2011, using the fraudulently acquired insurance agent status with National Western Life Insurance Company for Rivera-Colón, De Jesús-Ocasio sold insurance policies and annuities and obtained $283,718.05 in commissions for these sales. These payments were wire transferred from National Western Life Insurance Company to a Scotiabank personal account belonging to Rivera-Colón, but controlled and utilized by De Jesús-Ocasio.
The defendants made or caused to be made, material false statements to three different banks to obtain three loans. To wit, Western Bank for the purposes of obtaining a home loan for a total amount of $304,000.00; to First Bank for the purposes of obtaining an automobile loan for a total amount of $47,231.00 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee; and to Scotiabank for the purposes of obtaining an automobile loan for a total amount of $124,200.00 for the purchase of a Nissan Skyline GTR.
The false statements included the following: defendants stated that Rivera-Colón worked for National Western Life Insurance Company as an Insurance Agent and had a monthly salary, when in truth and in fact, defendants well knew that Rivera-Colón was not an insurance agent, did not have an insurance agent license, could not sell insurance policies, and had not been employed by National Western Life Insurance Company as an Insurance Agent.
“These defendants knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud an insurance company and three financial institutions for their personal economic gain,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes and fraud and will hold those who cheat the system accountable for their actions.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to devote resources to investigating all financial violations, including bank fraud. The actions of these individuals had a negative impact not only on financial institutions but on the people of Puerto Rico as well. Rest assured we will continue to bring to justice individuals who employ such schemes for personal gain,” said Kelly R. Jackson, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Miami Field Office.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 30 years. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
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Four Individuals Indicted for Conspiracy to Possess and Import over $5 Million in CocaineRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 1, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against four defendants charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Substance. Agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations along with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized 292 pounds (132 kilos) of cocaine concealed inside two hidden compartments in a vessel, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On January 27, 2018, a CBP St. Thomas Marine Unit intercepted a vessel after it had left Crown Bay Marina in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). The vessel was headed towards Puerto Rico. Due to the rough sea conditions, the crew escorted the vessel back to the Crown Bay cruise ship dock in the USVI where a CBP K9 inspected the vessel. During a subsequent inspection of the vessel, agents discovered a hidden compartment inside the vessel. Inside this hidden compartment, agents recovered approximately 55 brick shaped objects, which later tested positive for the characteristics of cocaine.
On January 28, 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigations with the help of the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of the Virgin Islands obtained a search warrant for the vessel. During a thorough search of the vessel, St. Thomas Marine Unit agents found an additional 56 brick shaped objects, which later tested positive for the characteristics of cocaine. The kilograms of cocaine were located in a hidden compartment under the carpet holding a bolted down table in the bow of the vessel.
At the time of the interdiction, there were four individuals on board, all of whom were Indicted in the District of Puerto Rico: Maximiliano Fígaro-Benjamín and Emiliano Fígaro-Benjamín, United States Permanent Resident Card holders from the Dominican Republic; Alexandria Andino-Rodríguez, a United States Citizen; and Katerin Martinez-Alberto, a United States Permanent Resident Card holder from Switzerland.
A total of 111 bricks of cocaine was seized from the defendants, weighing 292 pounds (132 kilos). The estimated wholesale value of the narcotics is over $5 million.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation along with agents from the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF), with the collaboration of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO), CBP Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO), CBP United States Border Patrol (CBP USBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PR Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA). The CCSF is an initiative of the U.S. Attorney's Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which investigates South American-based drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics using the Caribbean as a transshipment point for further distribution to the United States. The initiative is composed of DEA, HSI, FBI, US Coast Guard, US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and PRPD's Joint Forces for Rapid Action.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart J. Zander and Laura Montes are in charge of the prosecution of the case, under the supervision of Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Díaz-Rex, Deputy Chief of the International Narcotics Unit. 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.
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4 Individuals Indicted for Trafficking Methamphetamine and MarihuanaRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – On January 31, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against four individuals as a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the U.S Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, DEA and the Puerto Rico Police Department, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendants are charged in a three-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and the use of mail to distribute controlled substances.
The indictment alleges that beginning in the year 2015, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Puerto Rico for significant financial gain. U.S Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, DEA San Juan Tactical Division Squad, and PRPD, started an investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) responsible for shipping crystal meth (also known as “ice”) and marihuana from the state of California to Puerto Rico via the United States Postal Service (USPS) with the assistance of two postal employees.
The defendants are:
1. José Chávez, a.k.a. “El Mejicano/El Ingeniero”- sent the drugs from California to Puerto Rico
2. Pedro Rodríguez Valentin- USPS employee
3. Julio Valenzuela Morel- facilitator
4. Josué Torres Colón- USPS employee
According to the indictment, the defendants mailed the packaged methamphetamine and/or marihuana to Puerto Rico from United States Post Offices in California. They had the methamphetamine and/or marihuana laden boxes have specific existing addresses on the postal employee’s delivery route, so that he could take control of the package to deliver to co-conspirators. The defendants and co-conspirators held meetings in Puerto Rico or Florida to discuss the distribution of controlled substances and communicated via text or phone regarding the shipments of controlled substances to Puerto Rico and its distribution. They used Well Fargo and Banco Popular accounts to pay co-conspirators for the shipments of methamphetamine.
“The US Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously pursue the criminal prosecution of U.S. Postal Service employees and others who would defraud the U.S. Postal Service or utilize its services in their criminal schemes,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We are committed to dismantling and removing the threat posed by these criminal organizations flooding our communities with dangerous narcotics.”
Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office stated: “The U.S Postal Service, Office of Inspector General will utilize every resource available, to include our strong law enforcement partnerships, to prevent USPS employees from abusing positions of public trust by assisting with the trafficking of methamphetamine, as alleged in this case. This type of destructive and dangerous scheme will not be tolerated. We greatly appreciate the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Puerto Rico Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this matter.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Montes under the supervision of Julia Díaz-Rex, Deputy Chief for International Narcotics Unit. If convicted, the defendants could face a minimum penalty of 10 years up to life imprisonment and/or fines of up to $10,000,000. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This multi-agency task force investigates and dismantles major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics as well as the gang violence that accompanies drug trafficking.
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Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for 3 CarjackingsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, U.S. District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Bernard Díaz-Pérez to 25 years in prison for committing three carjackings, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the carjackings. Díaz-Pérez had plead guilty to the three carjackings on February 28, 2017.
According to court documents, on or about June 2, 2016, Bernard Díaz-Pérez and Jessenia Salgado-Ortiz, aiding and abetting each other, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, did take a motor vehicle, to wit: a red 2008 Scion, model XD, that had been transported, shipped or received in interstate or foreign commerce, from the presence of F.N.R. and another female friend. During the carjacking, Díaz-Pérez sexually assaulted one of the victims. He also ordered the victims to move to the front passenger seat and then started to drive away from the location. The victims had to jump from the moving vehicle in order to escape the carjacking.
His co-conspirator, Jessenia Salgado-Ortiz also pled guilty on February 28, 2017. She was sentenced on August 8, 2017 to 71 months in prison.
Díaz-Pérez was also sentenced for two other carjackings which occurred on May 15 and 27, 2016, respectively. During both incidents, Diaz-Pérez forced the victims out of the cars using threats and a replica gun.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Pérez Bouret.
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104 Individuals Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – A federal grand jury has indicted 104 individuals as a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) Bayamón Strike Force, the United States Marshals Service, and the San Juan Municipal Police, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendants are charged in a nine-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, use of firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence, including, murder, drive-by shooting, and other related offenses.
The indictment alleges that beginning in the year 2010, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” heroin, cocaine, and marihuana within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising housing facilities owned by a public housing authority in the municipalities of Bayamón, Toa Baja, Cataño, Naranjito, Comerío, and Corozal. The public housing facilities are: Virgilio Dávila, Rafael Falín Torrench, Brisas de Bayamón, Jardines de Caparra, Las Gardenias, La Alambra, José Celso Barbosa, Los Jeannie, Alegría Norte, Jardines de Cataño, Sierra Linda, Los Laureles and Los Dominicos; and Villa Olga, Río Plantation and El Polvorín Wards.
According to the indictment, in the year 2010, this drug trafficking organization gained control of most of the housing projects and wards within Bayamón and the areas nearby, after federal authorities incarcerated most of the leaders from nearly all the drug gangs in the area. This new gang identified themselves as Los Menores or the “new blood.” The goal of Los Menores was to take over and maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities in Bayamón and other areas, by force, violence, and intimidation.
As part of the manner and means of the conspiracy, the defendants and co-conspirators were instructed to shoot and kill suspected rival drug trafficking members. All firearms used during the commission of these violent acts would be returned to the leader of the organization for their disposal. Co-conspirators would also pay bribes to law enforcement officers in exchange for information on informants or cooperators, and on law enforcement initiatives to disrupt the drug points.
The 104 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: 22 leaders/drug point owners/drug point administrators; nine (9) enforcers; 13 suppliers; 13 runners, 42 sellers, and five (5) drug processors. Forty-one (41) of the defendants are facing one charge of using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of 55 million dollars.
The indictment includes allegations of six (6) murders, including one drive-by shooting, committed by members of this organization. These murders are as follows:
• On or about December 19, 2012, defendants [1] Sadid Medina-Rivera, a.k.a. “El Loco;” [3] Yamil Vázquez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Yamo;” [12] Giovanni Ortiz-Soto, a.k.a. “Pinocho”; [13] Richard A. Franco-Pérez, a.k.a. “El Cagón”; [23] George M. Franco Pérez, a.k.a. “La Flaca”; and [29] Ángel Cruz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Bebo/Brigante,” shot and killed Jomar J. Marrero-Pérez.
• On or about May 22, 2013, defendants [3] Yamil Vázquez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Yamo;” [12] Giovanni Ortiz-Soto, a.k.a. “Pinocho”; and [23] George M. Franco Pérez, a.k.a. “La Flaca,” fired a weapon into a group of two or more persons (drive-by shooting) and killed Carlos J. Duplessis, a.k.a. “Sombrita,” and Luis R. Rodríguez-Pérez.
• On or about March 2, 2015, defendants [8] Luis G. Ayala-García, a.k.a. “Pájaro/Gaby El Quemao”, and [46] Abimael Narváez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Apu,” shot and killed Nelson R. Troche-Rivera, a.k.a. “Negro.”
• On or about February 10, 2016, defendants [14] Wilfredo Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a. “Piky”; [24] Nelson Rivera-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Cuajo”; and [31] Miguel A. Martínez-Candelaria, a.k.a. “Miky,” shot and killed José M. Barbosa-González, a.k.a. “Peca.”
• On or about October 22, 2016, defendants [14] Wilfredo Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a. “Piky”; Nelson González-González, a.k.a. “Gemelo/Ardilla”; and [87] Juan E. Rivera-Serrano, a.k.a. “Casco,” shot and killed Christian L. Calderón-Rojas, a.k.a. “Chris.”
“This violent drug trafficking organization posed a threat to the lives of citizens of Puerto Rico, specifically those communities in Bayamón and nearby municipalities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests are the result of our strong collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Justice’s continuing efforts to combat violent gangs engaged in drug trafficking.”
Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office said: “Today’s massive operation was made possible through our dedicated partners at the United States Attorney's Office; U.S. Marshals Service; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; Postal Inspection Service; and Puerto Rico National Guard. Over 200 additional FBI personnel were brought in from FBI Headquarters and several other FBI field offices. The FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team conducted several of today’s arrests, supported by a fleet of air and ground specialty vehicles brought down from Quantico. Special appreciation is extended to San Juan Police Commissioner Guillermo Calixto for the outstanding task force officers he selected from his department, one of whom served as the lead investigator on this case; to Guaynabo Police Commissioner Victor Franco Rodríguez for his department’s invaluable assistance; and as always, to the Puerto Rico Police Department for their outstanding detective work and unwavering commitment to making Puerto Rico safer.”
“The boldness of these individuals to use the U.S. Mail for their drug trafficking enterprise and think they could get away with it. As alleged in the indictment, the “Los Menores” gang used the U.S. Mail to further their drug enterprise and launder their proceeds through the use of U.S. Postal Service Money Orders. U.S. Postal Inspectors will never tolerate criminal use of the U.S. Mail; and today’s arrest sends a strong message that we will vigorously pursue these types of crimes against the U.S. Mail and the American public,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Joseph Cronin.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Peter J. Forcelli stated: “These indictments and arrests show how well Federal and state agencies can work together to disrupt and dismantle violent drug gangs to stem the crime plaguing Puerto Rico during these difficult times.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys María L. Montañez-Concepción and Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández under the supervision of Alberto R. López-Rocafort and Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, Deputy Chiefs for Domestic Narcotics Unit and Violent Crimes Unit, respectively.
The defendants are facing a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment. These are:
[1] Sadid Medina-Rivera, a.k.a. “El Loco”; [2] Jorge Molina-Larrion, a.k.a. “Jorge Bush/ El Presidente”; [3] Yamil Vázquez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Yamo”; [4] Felipe Narváez-Colon, a.k.a. “Gavilan/Viejo”; [5] Samuel Arce-Ayala, a.k.a. “Brocoli/Broco/Vegetal”; [6] William J. Díaz-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Billy/Papa/Bola”; [7] Carlos J. Nazario-López, a.k.a. “Carlos Tati”; [8] Luis G. Ayala-García, a.k.a. “Pájaro/Gaby El Quemao”; [9] Joshua Méndez-Romero, a.k.a. “Joshi/El Guabi/Gemelo/El Identico”; [10] José J. Romero-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Galvan/Colorao/Garban”; [11] Jonathan Milan-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Polvo/Pica/Polvorin/El Virao”; [12] Giovanni Ortiz-Soto, a.k.a. “Pinocho”; [13] Richard A. Franco-Pérez, a.k.a. “El Cagon/La A”; [14] Wilfredo Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a.“Piky/Picky”; [15] Roberto Ortiz-Toro, a.k.a. “Tillo”; [16] Jaime L. Martínez-Vargas, a.k.a. “Jimmy/El Cojo/Diri/El Gordo”; [17] Joel J. Ayala-Velázquez, a.k.a. “El Puma”; [18] Omar J. Nieves-Pérez, a.k.a. “Cornlakes”; [19] José R. Jiménez-Echevarría, a.k.a. “Cuba/Rafi”; [20] Phillip García-Osorio; [21] Julio Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a. “Chulin/Chuli”; [22] Carlos M. Colón-Cruz, a.k.a. “Flaqui”; [23] George M. Franco-Pérez, a.k.a. “La Flaca”; [24] Nelson Rivera-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Cuajo”; [25] Ángel L. Pagán-Torres, a.k.a. “Gorito/El Desacatao”; [26] Ernesto Jiménez-Candelario, a.k.a. “Nestor”; [27] David F. Nieves-Dávila, a.k.a. “Davisito”; [28] Héctor E. Martínez-García, a.k.a. “Ricky Tamba/Ricky Tonga”; [29] Ángel R. Cruz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Bebo/Brigante”; [30] Edgar E. Aristud-Maysonet; [31] Miguel A. Martínez-Candelaria, a.k.a. “Miky”; [32] Juan P. Marrero-Díaz, a.k.a. “El Goldo”; [33] Ángel L. Morales-Hernández, a.k.a. “Ángel/Chinese Checker”; [34] Erick Y. Soto-Pérez; [35] José A. Méndez-Ruiz, a.k.a. “Tío Méndez”; [36] Andrés Medina-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Andy Perla/Ricky Martin”; [37] Joel Rosario-Martínez, a.k.a. “Ceda”; [38] Eliezer Rivera-Reyes, a.k.a. “Gordo Teta”; [39] Bryan M. Camacho-Báez, a.k.a. “La Puerca/La Gorda”; [40] José D. Nieves-Ramos, a.k.a. “Joudi”; [41] Alexie López-Robles, a.k.a. “Alex Chengo”; [42] Carlos López-Orria, a.k.a. “Pelota”; [43] Raúl Viguera-Soto, a.k.a. “Viagra/El Gordo/Raulin”; [44] Félix O. Ortiz-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Chucha”; [45] Andrés D. Reyment-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Andy La Salida”; [46] Abimael Narváez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Apu”; [47] José L. Cintron-Aponte, a.k.a. “Bebo La Maquina”; [48] Janey Fontan-Otero, a.k.a. “Stuart The Little/Stuart”; [49] Edwin A. Pantoja-Eraso, a.k.a. “Bichote”; [50] Frankie Ortiz-Soto; [51] Wilberto Guzmán-Robles, a.k.a. “Macho/Machito”; [52] Juan G. Pérez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Juanito Culon”; [53] Andrés Báez-Ramos, a.k.a. “Cuajo”; [54] Nelson González-González, a.k.a. “Gemelo/Ardilla”; [55] William Reyes-Garrastegui, a.k.a. “Bebo El Goldo”; [56] Rafael A. Ramos-Marín, a.k.a. “El Negro”; [57] Pedro Orraca-Matos, a.k.a. “Peri”; [58] Francisco R. Maysonet-Morales, a.k.a. “Ñame/Gordo”; [59] Ángel O. Pagán-Torres, a.k.a. “Kibu”; [60] Jaime A. Hernández-Santiago, a.k.a. “Mingui/Coco”; [61] Luis E. Erazo De-Jesús, a.k.a. “Vaquero/Vaquerito”; [62] Carlos J. Nieves-Pérez, a.k.a. “Seven”; [63] Abnel H. Berríos-Natali, a.k.a. “Abnel La Barbie”; [64] Francisco Salas-Ríos, a.k.a. “Chule”; [65] Christian Guzmán-Colón, a.k.a. “Muñequita/Muñe”; [66] Pedro Crespo-Bouchamp, a.k.a. “Colorex/Colo/Pedrito/Colorao”; [67] Juan E. Freites-Torres, a.k.a. “Macho/Macho Kenai”; [68] Luis M. Pantoja-Cruz, a.k.a. “Cantinfla”; [69] Harold L. Abolafia-Borrero, a.k.a. “Ferrari”; [70] Christopher J. Nieves-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chucho”; [71] Jean C. Torres-Soto, a.k.a. “Chicken Pop”; [72] Daniel F. Vélez-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Guayu/Danielito”; [73] Félix J. Alvarado-Ortega, a.k.a. “Filete/Filete Mignon”’ [74] Juan F. Vélez-Cedeño, a.k.a. “Chato”; [75] Jorge L. Negrón-Cruz, a.k.a. “Pollo/Pollito/Tostin”; [76] José L. Jiménez-Candelario; [77] Luis A. Monzon-Ocasio, a.k.a. “El Pito”; [78] José M. Oyola, a.k.a. “Juaco”; [79] José A. Robles-Santiago, a.k.a. “Abi/Guitarreño”; [80] Emanuel Rivera-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Emma”; [81] Jovanni Torres-López, a.k.a. “Bimbo”; [82] Jaime J. Valentin-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Jay Barente-Rivera/Jay Lombriz/El Jay”; [83] Héctor X. Ortiz-Errazo, a.k.a.“Xavi/El Gordo”; [84] Angelita Bravo-García, a.k.a. “Bebota/Mimitime/Mimi”; [85] Ángel A. Jiménez-Candelario; [86] Luis A. Ortiz-Olivera, a.k.a. “Pache”; [87] Juan E. Rivera-Serrano, a.k.a. “Casco”; [88] Fernando Montañez-García, a.k.a. “Mostri”; [89] Brandon J. Cruz-Verges; [90] Rolando Cotto-Ortega, a.k.a. “Pastelillo”; [91] Héctor Quintana-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Chupa”; [92] Juan C. Pérez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Kibu”; [93] José C. Mojica-Torres, a.k.a. “Chencho”; [94] Héctor Méndez, a.k.a. “Rudy/Ruby/Scooby”; [95] Jean C. Del Valle-Rosa, a.k.a. “Chiwawin”; [96] Jeremy A. Barreto-Berríos; [97] Juan L. Reca-Santiago, a.k.a. “Luis Santiago-Rivera”; [98] Gabriel Sedeño-Aponte, a.k.a. “Limber”; [99] José A. Ortiz-Olivera, a.k.a. “Macho”; [100] Félix J. Ortiz, a.k.a. “Kalkri/Kenobi”; [101] Nasain Ortiz-Nieves, a.k.a. “Bart/Bart Simpson”; [102] Roberto C. Rosa-Pérez, a.k.a. “Papiro”; [103] Pedro Alvino-Colón, a.k.a. “Pello/Peyo/Pedri”; and [104] Carlos J. Santos-Vélez, a.k.a.“Carlitos”.
Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This multi-agency task force investigates and dismantles major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics as well as the gang violence that accompanies drug trafficking.
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Four Individuals Arrested at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport with Approximately 80 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On January 10, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against two defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On December 27, 2017, Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) agents assigned to the AirTAT located in the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (LMMIA) were conducting routine inspections on the luggage departing from Puerto Rico when a PRPD K-9 alerted positive to an odor of narcotics on four suitcases. Two of the checked baggage tags contained the passenger name of Christian Colón-Hernández. The other two suitcases checked baggage tags contained the passenger name of Jomar Ferrer-Mercado.
Both Colón-Hernández and Ferrer-Mercado were located in the jet bridge area and both voluntarily gave PRPD agents consent to search their suitcases. Agents opened the suitcases and discovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine in each suitcase for a total of approximately 43 kilograms of cocaine.
On January 9, 2018, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was conducting routine screening scans of checked luggage at the LMMIA when the screening machine flagged a red plastic suitcase for anomalies that could be consistent with potential explosives. When a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) opened the suitcase, they observed approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. The red plastic suitcase contained bag check tags for passenger Tiffany Nashyra Campos-Adorno.
During the same time period, PRPD agents assigned to the AirTAT were conducting routine inspections on the luggage departing from Puerto Rico when a PRPD K-9 alerted positive to an odor of narcotics on a suitcase checked with a baggage tag for passenger Tiffany Nashyra Campos-Adorno.
Campos-Adorno was located in the jet bridge area and voluntarily gave PRPD agents consent to search her suitcases. Agents opened the suitcases and discovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine in each suitcase for a total of approximately 22 kilograms of cocaine. Campos-Adorno was subsequently arrested and charged via federal criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
On January 10, 2018, FBI agents were notified by AIRTAT agents that gate employees at LMMIA had reported suspicious behavior by passenger Krystal Dones-Cruz during the moments when officers intervened with Campos-Adorno. According to the gate employees, Dones-Cruz abruptly approached gate agents in the terminal and advised that her father was sick and that she had to leave the airport. According to the gate employees, Dones-Cruz left the terminal in haste, leaving behind two checked bags that were already loaded onto the flight. The FBI was later able to confirm Dones-Cruz’s behavior via video surveillance.
Agents at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York were able to recover Dones-Cruz’s two checked bags when they arrived to JFK. Agents discovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine in each suitcase for a total of approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine. FBI agents were able to locate Dones-Cruz; she was subsequently arrested and charged via federal criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander is in charge of the prosecutions, under the supervision of Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Díaz-Rex, Deputy Chief of the International Narcotics Unit. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years 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 ongoing efforts of the Airport Investigations and Tactical Team (AirTAT). Originating in January 2015, AirTAT is a multi-agency initiative created to identify, locate, disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute Domestic and Transnational Criminal Organizations (DTCOs) and its operatives using the LMMIA, the Fernando Luis Rivas Dominicci Airport (the Isla Grande airport), and peripheral airports as platforms to smuggle narcotics, weapons, human cargo, counterfeit documents and illicit proceeds. These airports play a strategic role for DTCOs to conduct contraband smuggling activities inbound and outbound to the continental United States as well as international destinations.
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32 Individuals Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 32 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of San Juan, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force Unit, are in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2011, 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 San Fernando Public Housing Project, a school and a playground in the municipality of San Juan, all for significant financial gain and profit.
The 32 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Thirteen of the defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of ten million dollars.
According to the indictment, defendants and their co-conspirators would sometimes order or force certain residents of San Fernando PHP to abandon their homes. Residents who were suspected of cooperating with law enforcement or of communicating with rival drug trafficking organizations would be ordered to leave their apartments. The same happened to residents of the PHP who failed to pay the appropriate “rent” to the high-level leaders of the drug trafficking organization, and to obey the rules implemented by the drug trafficking organization’s leadership.
The defendants are: Yamil Hernández-García, a.k.a. “Gongi”/“Yamil Garcia”; Héctor Daniel Hernández-Osorio, a.k.a. “Cachete”/“Cachete El Flaco”; Julio Ángel Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Angel”/“Ciego”; Gabriel Caballero-Fuentes, a.k.a. “Gaby”/“Negro”; Francisco Hernández-Torres, a.k.a. “Gordo Pelati”; Jamilet Hernández-García, a.k.a. “Yami”; Christopher Saez-Quiles, a.k.a. “Troky”/“Perla”; Jean Carlos Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Jean”; Alexander Olivieri-Nieves, a.k.a. “Ponsi”/“Fonsi”; Adames Pérez-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Gordo”/“Bollo”; Ángel Giovani Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Giova”; Melvin Caballero-Fuentes; Eddie Cintrón-Hernández, a.k.a. “Menor”; Edwin Joel González-Gómez, a.k.a. “Joel”; Wagner Javier Rojas-Batista; Luis D. Pérez-Plaza, a.k.a. “Danny Peca”; Ángel M. Hernández-Acevedo, a.k.a. “Barber”; Dan Joseph Rodríguez-Laracuente; Francisco Santana-Díaz, a.k.a. “Frank”; Sonia Sánchez-Algarín, a.k.a. “Caru”; José Agosto Llopiz, a.k.a. “Nalgas”; Harry Agosto Llopiz, a.k.a. “Willy”; Carlos Moises González-Almestica, a.k.a. “Mueca”; Emmanuel González-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Che”; Ángel Michael Ruiz-García, a.k.a. “Mono”; Kevin Berríos-Concepción; Jesús Ramos-Tirado, a.k.a. “Memo”; Millies Mary Beltrán-Pérez, a.k.a. “Millie La Shorty”; Fnu Lnu, a.k.a. “Landy”/“Angel Velazco”; Rosa Linda Andradez-Burgos, a.k.a. “Linda”; Carol Hernández-Pagán; and Carlos Santini-Avellanet, a/k/a “Carly”.
“This operation demonstrates how law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level are working as one to pursue criminal gangs and their associates. All of these agencies will work tirelessly to protect our communities and to hold those who threaten our safety accountable for their actions,” 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.”
“Removing violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs are the best, most effective contributions that law enforcement can make right now in order to help Puerto Rico recover from the recent natural disasters,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office. “In today’s successful operation, the FBI worked hand in hand with our partners from the United States Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Puerto Rico Police Department, San Juan Police Department, and Puerto Rico Department of Corrections.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa E. Bonhomme 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.
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Individual Arrested for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On December 14, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Andie Nikolany-Geigel for interference with commerce by threats or violence, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that on or about November 25, 2017, in the District of Puerto Rico, Nikolany-Geigel, while carrying and brandishing a firearm, did take approximately 405 dollars from the TO GO Convenience Store, in the presence of employees, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence and fear of injury, threatening the employees with a firearm in order to commit the robbery.
“This defendant threatened the lives of defenseless victims while they were working for the hard earned money during these difficult times,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Through the hard work of federal and state law enforcement and the US Attorney’s Office prosecutors, this defendant will be brought to justice.”
“The FBI and other federal agencies, along with police departments all across Puerto Rico, are making it a top priority to take violent offenders off the streets. We then work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to see that anyone involved in committing these crimes receives the maximum prison sentences allowed by federal law,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Pérez-Bouret. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 15 years of imprisonment for the robbery charge (Count One), and up to life imprisonment for the firearms charge (Count Two). 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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Individual Indicted for Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 14, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Herbert Santiago-De Jesús for Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. 1951 (Interference with commerce by robbery) (two counts), possessing, brandishing and discharging firearms and a machinegun in furtherance of a crime of violence (18 U.S.C.§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(ii),(iii), and (B)(ii)), and being a felon in possession of firearms (18 U.S.C. 922 (g)(1)), announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) are in charge of the investigation.
According to the indictment, on September 17, 2016 Santiago-De Jesús did unlawfully take U.S. Currency four hundred and fifty dollars ($450.00), from Mi Barrita Familiar in Juana Díaz, PR, in the presence of employees and clients, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future to their persons, that is, threatening the employees and clients with a machinegun in order to commit the robbery. In this incident, two persons were injured.
On or about September 10, 2017, the defendant herein, aided and abetted by others, did unlawfully take U.S. Currency from Delgens Bar, also in Juana Díaz, PR, threatening the employees and clients with a machinegun in order to commit the robbery. During the robberies, the defendant fired machineguns and patrons were injured.
For these crimes, the defendant is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each robbery count, 10 years mandatory minimum for each count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and 30 years mandatory minimum on each count of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a crime of violence. For the felon in possession charge, the maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Penélope Castellanos-Diloné is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
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44 Individuals Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 8, 2017, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 44 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipalities of Caguas, Cidra, and Aguas Buenas, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Caguas Strike Force Unit, are in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of DEA and the US Marshals.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2013, the organization distributed heroin, crack, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Turabo Heights, Brisas del Turabo, Juan Jiménez-García, Práxedes Santiago, Jardines de Cidra, and Vistas de Jagüeyes Public Housing Projects and other areas nearby the municipalities of Caguas, Cidra and Aguas Buenas, PR, all for significant financial gain and profit.
The 44 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, drug processors, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. According to the indictment, defendants and their co-conspirators would deposit money in accounts belonging to incarcerated members of the organization to keep them from cooperating with law enforcement.
The defendants are: Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “Nelsito/El Burro”; Wilfredo Maldonado-Ríos, a.k.a “Yuyo/La Flaca”; Juan Blanco-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Puchu”; Pedro José Pomales, a.k.a. “Pedro El Tetón”; Gerardo Rodríguez-Guzmán, a.k.a. “Figurita”; Luis Cataño-Landan, a.k.a. “Beba”; Pedro J. Carrasquillo-Marcano, a.k.a. “Potin”; Carlos J. Reyes-Rosario, a.k.a. “Carlitos Mea”; José Luis González-De Jesús, a.k.a. “Rambo”; Christopher Rivera-Gómez, a.k.a. “Cagao”; Joshuan Casanova-López, a.k.a. “Torito”; Javier J. Suárez-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Javi El Goldo”; Pedro Xavier Montañez-Fernández, a.k.a. “Vito Fernández”; Alexis Pérez-Mléndez, a.k.a. “Lechón/Sexi Carolina”; Jesús Torres-Coss, a.k.a. “Popo”; Jonathan Torres-Coss, a.k.a. “Jonatito”; Carlos Rodríguez-Zayas, a.k.a. “Carlitos Zayas”; Juan G. Díaz-Colón, a.k.a. “Gabi Diente”; Gregorio Angulo-Rosa, a.k.a. “Monkey”; Ángel Betancourt-Flores, a.k.a. “Betan”; Luis M. Hernández-Ramos, a.k.a. “Ardilla”; Kenneth Cedeño-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “La Barbie”; Edwin Padilla-López, a.k.a. “Bebo/Play”; Ángel M. Ruiz-Robles, a.k.a. “Angie”; Félix A. Rosario-Garced, a.k.a. “Chandel”; Emmanuel Figueroa-Centeno, a.k.a. “Emma”; Luis Joel Marrero-Ortiz, a.k.a. “La J”; Reynaldo Ríos-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Garra”; Jeseiken Rodríguez-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Jeiki”; Juan C. Claudio-Cervera, a.k.a. “Clau”; Onix Rosario-Delgado; José Padilla-Santiago, a.k.a. “Gurabo”; Christian Centeno-Rosado, a.k.a. “Espigao”; Christian Roldán-Colón, a.k.a. “Roldán”; Kesia González-Claudio; Jean Pierre Benítez-Reyes, a.k.a. “Jampi”; Jorge L. Nieves-Colón, a.k.a. “Coli”; Carlos Pedraza-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Carli/Lechón”; Jonathan Hernández-Flores; Ricardo Abel Rivera-Santos, a.k.a. “Abel”; Jorge L. Roque-Cruz, a.k.a. “Chapa”; Emmanuel Díaz-Martínez, a.k.a. “Emanuel Trenzas”; Victor Reyes-Santiago, a.k.a. “Vitito”; and Ernesto Aroche-Rivera, a.k.a. “Flow/Hector”.
Twenty-five of the defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of ten million dollars.
“One of our top priorities continues to be the disruption and dismantling of drug trafficking organizations, at every level,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The result of this joint operation, with the collaboration of our state counterparts, shows our commitment to keep drugs and firearms out of our neighborhoods.”
“This indictment sends a clear message that ATF and its Federal and local partners will tirelessly combat armed drug trafficking and violent crime in Puerto Rico. The criminality that affects the most vulnerable members of the community will never be tolerated,” said Ari Shapira, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Miami Field Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa S. Zapata-Valladares 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.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This multi-agency task force investigates and dismantles major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi kilogram quantities of narcotics as well as the gang violence that is generated by drug trafficking.
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Aviso Importante Servicio de Rentas Internas (IRS) advirtió hoy sobre una estafa telefónica sofisticada dirigida a los contribuyentesRead the Press Release
La Fiscal Federal Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez de la Oficina de Fiscalía Federal Distrito de Puerto Rico anuncia que el Servicio de Rentas Internas (IRS) advirtió hoy sobre una estafa telefónica sofisticada dirigida a los contribuyentes.
Se les dice a las víctimas que deben dinero al IRS y que deben pagarlo inmediatamente, mediante una tarjeta de débito pre-pagada o transferencia bancaria. Si la víctima se niega a cooperar, la amenazan con arrestarla, deportarla, o suspenderle su licencia de negocio o de conducir. En muchos casos, la persona que llama se vuelve agresiva.
Otras características de esta estafa incluye:
- Los estafadores usan nombres y número de placa falsos al igual que números de emblema del IRS. Por lo general usan nombres y apellidos comunes para identificarse.
- Los estafadores pueden ser capaces de saber los últimos cuatro dígitos del número de seguro social de la víctima.
- Los estafadores copian el número gratuito del IRS para que aparezca en su identificador de llamada y la víctima piense que la llamada es del IRS.
- Los estafadores a veces envían falsos correos electrónicos en apoyo a sus llamadas falsas.
- Las víctimas oyen ruido de fondo de otras llamadas que se están realizando que simulan un centro de llamadas.
- Después de amenazar a las víctimas con una sentencia carcelaria o con la revocación de su licencia de conducir, los estafadores cuelgan la llamada e inmediatamente llaman otros estafadores fingiendo ser de la policía local o del Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados (DMV, por sus siglas en inglés), y el identificador de llamadas respalda sus afirmaciones.
Si recibe una llamada de alguien diciendo ser del IRS, esto es lo que debe hacer:
- Si usted sabe que adeuda impuestos o si piensa que podría deber, llame al IRS al 1.800.829.1040. Las personas que contestan esa línea telefónica pueden ayudar con asuntos de pago – si es que en realidad existe tal problema.
Si usted sabe que no debe impuestos y no tiene ningún motivo para pensar lo contrario (por ejemplo, si nunca recibió una cuenta o la persona que lo llamó hizo una amenaza falsa como las descritas anteriormente), entonces llame y reporte el incidente al Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, (en inglés) al 1.800.366.4484.
Individual Charged for Several Robberies, Including One Resulting in the Death of Two Innocent BystandersRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a five-count indictment against Benjamin Melendez-Rivera charging him with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to the indictment, on March 20, 2017, Melendez-Rivera, along with other co-conspirators, traveled to a Banco Popular branch in Morovis, Puerto Rico to commit a robbery. On that same date, one of the co-conspirators brandished a firearm at an armed courier employed by Econo Supermarket, and took approximately $3,000 in U.S. currency from him.
The indictment further alleges that on March 23, 2017, Melendez-Rivera traveled to a Banco Popular branch in Añasco, Puerto Rico to conduct surveillance in preparation for a robbery. On March 30, 2017, Melendez-Rivera also traveled to the Banco Popular branch in Añasco, Puerto Rico to commit a robbery. Once near the vicinity of the Banco Popular branch, Melendez-Rivera took a photograph of the location with his cellular phone. During the commission of the robbery in Añasco, two co-conspirators brandished firearms at a Ranger American armed courier. The co-conspirators discharged their firearms, killing two innocent bystanders and wounding the Ranger American armed courier, from whom they stole approximately $16,900 in U.S. currency.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
19 Individuals Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 14, 2017, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 19 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Today DEA agents and officers of the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) executed the arrest warrants as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Eleven defendants were arrested today in Puerto Rico, and one of them in the U.S. mainland.
The object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the El Cemí and El Yukiyu Public Housing Project located within the Municipality of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, since 2008. This organization would conduct transactions and engage in actions to further its drug trafficking activities in different municipalities of Puerto Rico, including San Juan, Carolina, Naguabo, Arroyo, Caguas, Juncos, Las Piedras, Ceiba, and Canovanas. The members of the organization would transport drugs, weapons, and money to different towns, in cars equipped with hidden compartments designed for that purpose. During the deliveries, other co-conspirators would escort the cars while carrying firearms to protect the cargo.
The indictment also alleges that the members of the organization would transport cocaine from Puerto Rico to the continental United States, through the Luis Muñoz-Marin International Airport, using "mules" who would carry the drugs within the luggage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar S. Rivera-Giraud is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life for counts under 21 U.S.C. §§841(a)(1), 846 and 860, and 18 U.S.C. §2, and a minimum sentence of no less than 5 years up to life for counts under 18 U.S.C. §924(c). Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Twenty-Two Individuals Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 2, 2017, a federal grand jury returned seventeen separate indictments charging twenty-two individuals for trafficking firearms without a license, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The agencies in charge of the investigation are the Puerto Rico Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbaco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice with the collaboration of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.
The defendants are also facing charges for: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. During the investigation and leading up to today’s take-down, authorities seized 35 firearms, including 20 pistols and 15 rifles, among these, five were machine guns.
Today, as part of this joint effort, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice charged eight other defendants with firearms violations.
“We will vigorously prosecute those involved in the illegal sale and trafficking of firearms, which are then used in the commission of violent crimes,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue working with the state authorities to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, who all too frequently endanger our community.”
“Today is a good day for the citizens of Puerto Rico as these indictments exhibit a collective effort to combat violent crime in the community. Together with the Police of Puerto Rico and HSI, we have dismantled a group dedicated to firearms trafficking in Puerto Rico,” said Ari C. Shapira, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Miami Field Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle M. Álvarez-Lora are in charge of the prosecution of the cases. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, up to 10 years for possession of a machine gun and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and up to life in prison for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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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FBI Arrests Individual for Attempted Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Magistrate Judge Camille L. Vélez-Rivé authorized a criminal complaint against Franklin Martínez-Rodríguez, charging him with attempted Hobbs Act robbery and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) are in charge of the investigation.
According to the criminal complaint, on October 16, 2017 at approximately 8:00 pm, two individuals entered a fast food located at Calle José De Diego in San Juan, and announced a robbery. Both men were carrying and brandishing firearms. One of the individuals, later identified as defendant Martínez, hopped the counter to retrieve the restaurants money from the register. At the same time, a private security officer emerged from the rear of the store. When the security officer saw the masked man holding a handgun he opened fired against the defendant. Martínez also fired his gun.
Two restaurant patrons were struck during the exchange of gunfire. A male patron was struck in the hand and a female patron was struck in the shoulder and across the chest. The unidentified individual fled the restaurant when the shooting began and entered a waiting vehicle just outside the restaurant. Shortly, emergency personnel arrived at the scene and Martínez was taken into custody by PRPD.
If convicted defendant faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment (for discharging a firearm), as well as a period of supervised release of not more than five 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor O. Acevedo Hernández has been assigned to prosecute this case.
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