District of Puerto Rico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Authorities Dismantle Drug Trafficking Organization Responsible for Transporting Cocaine and Money Between Puerto Rico-Florida-ConnecticutRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – This morning, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) dismantled a drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and drug money between Puerto Rico and the Continental United States, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging 37 individuals with participating in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. The defendants are: Luis Rivera-Ramos, aka “Luigi;” Rubén Barceló-Severino, aka “Chucky;” Jesús M. Vázquez-Rivera; Glarivy Rivera-Huertas; Luis Pintor; Antonio Llano-Mulley, aka “Pupolo;” Valeria Ramos-Ruiz; Ashley Flores-Carter; Kenneth Rivera-Ramos, aka “Gazu;” Kelvin Collazo-Rodríguez, aka “Pirulo;” Eddie Fernández-Ruiz; Carmen Yaritza Povez-James; Xavier Camacho-Valdés; Carmen Odalis Flores-Dávila; Valeria Mojica-De Jesús; José Burgos-Estrada; Joselyn Alicea-Villegas; David Reyes-Santiago; Deyaneira Reyes-Santiago; Kevin Reyes-Santiago; Jonathan Reyes-Santiago; Pedro Ramos-Ruiz; Lynn Ramos; Alba Torres-Suárez; Aníbal Torres-Pérez; Ayleen Santana-Gómez; Blanca Calo-Vázquez; Dariana Santiago-Falcón; Esteban A. Rivera-Guzmán; Gilberto Villegas; Joson F. Abreu; Jessica Martínez-Alfaro; Juan Figueroa-Cabrera; Kacsy Maldonado-Giegel; Liliana Geigel-Rivera; Llinozca Delgado-Ríos; and Nayad Pujols-Noboa.
The investigation leading to today’s arrests uncovered that members of this organization utilized drug mules to smuggle kilograms of cocaine hidden in suitcases on airplanes flying out of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (LMMIA). The kilograms of cocaine were vacuum sealed and pressed into the approximate width of a magazine and were then wrapped in carbon paper. The suitcases were altered to contain a hidden compartment in the bottom, where the kilograms of cocaine were concealed. The suitcases typically contained two kilograms each and the mules would travel with one or two suitcases at a time.
The organization instructed the mules on how to handle law enforcement in the event that they were arrested for smuggling. The organization’s leadership would provide the mules with a story to tell law enforcement to lead them in the wrong direction and away from the organization. The organization also utilized intimidation and threats of violence to prevent the mules from cooperating with law enforcement.
“These arrests are a clear indication of the success of the OCDETF in the fight against drug trafficking. Today’s arrests dismantle an organization that coordinated not only the traffic of cocaine between Puerto Rico and the Continental United States, but also the movement of drug money, essential to the success of these illegal activities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue maximizing all of our combined resources to investigate and prosecute those who disregard our laws and try to smuggle illegal contraband into our jurisdiction.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Howell.
If found guilty, 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.
The case was investigated by agents from 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’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and PRPD's Joint Forces for Rapid Action.
The Airport Investigations and Tactical Team (AirTAT) operates in the District of Puerto Rico as an OCDETF strategic initiative that is part of the National Airport Initiative. It is a multi-agency, co-located task force that includes DEA, HSI, FBI, USPIS, CBP - Office of Field Operations and ATF. AirTAT also works closely with the Police of Puerto Rico. AirTAT’s mission is to identify, locate, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute TCOs and their operatives using the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (LMMIA), the Fernando Luis Rivas Dominicci Airport (FLRDA) and airport peripherals as platforms to smuggle narcotics, weapons, human cargo, counterfeit documents, illicit proceeds and other contraband through these critical airport infrastructures.
Physician Found Guilty of 82 CountsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Monday, October 5, 2015, Aníbal Pagán-Romero, a general practitioner with a clinic in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, was found guilty on all counts of an 82 count indictment charging 21 conspiracies and 61 individual counts of mail fraud from a scheme to defraud the American Life Assurance Company of Columbus, Georgia, better known as AFLAC. This conviction is the result of a lengthy investigation undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Investigations into multiple insurance fraud schemes in the Western region of Puerto Rico which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of hundreds of individuals.
Pagán-Romero was charged with 35 patients for perpetrating a scheme where he fraudulently signed AFLAC accidental insurance claim forms without examining the patients. The evidence presented at trial showed that from 2004 through 2009 Pagán-Romero caused an approximate loss of $2,000,000 to AFLAC through the claim forms filed with the other 35 co-defendants and approximate loss of $6,000,000 for all the AFLAC claim forms filed under Pagán-Romero’s signature. The 35 patients who were charged alongside Pagán-Romero had pled guilty to the charges prior to the commencement of trial.
The three-week trial before the Hon. Gustavo Gelpí included the testimony of three of the doctor’s employees and four patients who indicated that Pagán-Romero personally instructed them to submit the documents for his signature without examination. The evidence also showed that the scheme had grown so large and lucrative that Pagán-Romero had to hire two employees to do data entry full time in order to generate the thousands of AFLAC claim forms submitted for reimbursement under his signature. The evidence presented at trial revealed that Pagán-Romero would have been capable of pocketing $975,000 in cash during the five year conspiracy for signing the AFLAC claim forms at $10 per form.
Pagán-Romero is exposed to a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years for his crimes. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2016 and the defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against fraud in 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 today,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dennise N. Longo and Julia Díaz-Rex.
Nine Individuals Indicted for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Nine individuals have been indicted for their alleged participation in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, access devices fraud, and/or aggravated identity theft, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The United States Secret Service is in charge of the investigation. The indictment was unsealed today upon the arrest of the defendants.
The indictment, returned on October 1st, 2015 by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes sixteen charges against the following individuals: Carlos Bauzó-Vázquez, aka “Carlitos;” Lesville Matos-Bauzó, aka “Billy;” Gloria Bauzó-Vázquez, aka “Milagritos;” Henry Pérez-Díaz; Laydy Mar Feliciano-Miranda; Héctor Vega-Rivera, aka “El Gringo;” José Díaz-Caraballo, aka “Timana;” David González-Ferrer; and Rafael González-Ferrer.
These charges stem from a scheme utilized by the defendants from approximately July 2014 to April 2015 to provide false employment, income, and residency information to Banco Popular de Puerto Rico in order to receive multiple personal loans and lines of credit. A member of the group would call Banco Popular’s Telebanco Popular service and request a loan using the name, birth date, and social security number of another defendant. During the course of the call, false information would be provided to the bank regarding where the person lived and worked. Further, false information would be provided regarding the person’s income.
Once the requested loan was approved pending the submission of supporting documentation, defendants would take false documents to the bank as evidence of the information provided via telephone. In particular, the defendants utilized fictitious companies and falsified payroll documents in support of the loan requests. Defendants would then cash the loan checks and distribute the cash to members of the conspiracy. This scheme was repeated multiple times. On at least one occasion, credit cards were requested using the same information and documentation fraudulently submitted to the bank for the loan. Members of the conspiracy then made cash advance withdrawals from bank branches and Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s).
The indictment alleges one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1344; nine counts of bank fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, related to loan checks or cash advances fraudulently obtained from the bank; five counts of aggravated identity theft, of a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), related to the possession and use without lawful authority of a means of identification in relation to bank fraud charged in the indictment; and one count of access devices fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(2), related to the use of unauthorized access devices, credit cards, obtained with intent to defraud. The total value of the fraud was approximately $92,600.
If found guilty, defendants face a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, ten years in prison for access devises fraud, and a mandatory two year consecutive term in prison for aggravated identity theft.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Erbe.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
Woman Pleads Guilty for Defrauding the Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, defendant Mariely Malavet-Rivera pled guilty before United States District Judge Francisco A. Besosa to twenty-four counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of public money, and one count of aggravated identity theft, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
These charges stemmed from a scheme utilized by Mariely Malavet-Rivera from 2010-2013 to submit false Federal tax returns seeking the additional child tax credit (ACTC) in order to obtain fraudulent tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via check and direct deposit. Personal identification information including individuals’ names, dates of birth, and social security numbers were utilized without the knowledge or consent of the individual in order to request and obtain the fraudulent tax refunds.
The false Federal tax returns contained defendant’s own postal address and bank account information so that the fraudulent refunds would be deposited via wire transfer to bank accounts Malavet-Rivera controlled and the physical checks would be mailed to her postal address. Defendant then used a fraudulent driver’s license or voter registration identification to cash the fraudulent refund checks through an intermediary company.
The fraudulent tax refund scheme had a total value of approximately $227,653.22.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Erbe. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2016.
Male Tourist from Wisconsin Arrested for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López authorized a criminal complaint charging Joseph Neil Bronson, Jr. with one count of Attempted Sex Trafficking of Children, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint, on September 30th, 2015, the defendant responded to an advertisement on an internet-based classified website. The advertisement was listed as an “escort service” specializing in “young girls” in Puerto Rico. Bronson wrote that he liked girls with smaller bodies, who were between the ages of 10 and 12 years of age, for “full service,” and who were clean and shaved. In the communications, Bronson agreed to pay $200.00 an hour for sex with a 12 year old female and offered the place he was staying as the location in which the sex encounter would occur.
On October 1, 2015, HSI agents approached the defendant and placed him under arrest. Bronson possessed $300.00 in cash and the phone he used to communicate with the person whom he thought was in charge of the minor he was going to have sex with.
“The sexual exploitation of vulnerable individuals is an affront to fundamental rights and will not be tolerated on our Island. The defendant came to Puerto Rico thinking that he could have a sexual rendezvous with a minor. Our attorneys and law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate and prosecute the trafficking of human beings, and will uphold the rights of those subjected to modern-day slavery, whether for labor or for sexual exploitation. The children of Puerto Rico deserve no less,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea. If convicted, the defendant is facing a 15 years to life in prison. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you have information about any sexual predators in your community or any child exploitation activity call 1-866-347-2423. For more information, visit: www.ICE.gov.
Jaime Dávila Reyes, aka “Peluche” Sentenced to 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, Jaime Dávila-Reyes, aka “Peluche,” was sentenced to 21 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearm violations, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On June 12, 2015, the defendant plead guilty to four counts from three separate indictments, charging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He also plead guilty to using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Since the year 2006, and continuing up to and until the return of the Indictment in Criminal Case 09-390(ADC), Jaime Dávila-Reyes and others, did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, and agree with each other and with diverse other persons known and unknown to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, and marihuana in protected locations throughout the Municipality of Naguabo and Caguas, Puerto Rico, specifically in Ignacio Morales-Dávila Public Housing Project in Naguabo and Jose Gautier-Benítez in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
In the second indictment, Criminal Case 13-435(FAB), the object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the Gautier Benitez Public Housing Project for financial gain and profit. Dávila-Reyes was a leader of the drug trafficking organization and controlled the drug distribution points located at the Gautier Benitez Public Housing Project.
In the third indictment, Criminal Case 13-534(CCC), the object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the Morales Ward, in the Municipality of Caguas for significant financial gain and profit. As a leader in Barriada Morales, Dávila-Reyes was in control of the drug distribution points. He directly supervised the operations at Barriada Morales, received the proceeds from the distribution of narcotics sold during the span of his leadership in the conspiracy and was in charge of maintaining control of all the drug distribution activities. He also received payment or “rent” from other drug point owners in Barriada Morales. He also acted as an enforcer and supplier within the conspiracy.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue working along with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminals who deprive our communities of a peaceful and safe environment,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend our prosecutors and investigative agencies who did not rest until they were able to arrest Davila-Reyes and successfully bring him to justice.”
The defendant was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Aida Delgado-Colón. The cases were being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys César Rivera-Giraud, Alberto López-Rocafort and Teresa Zapata-Valladares.
Ten Puerto Rico Police Officers Indicted for Allegedly Running Criminal Organization Out of Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
Officers Charged with Racketeering, Robbery, Extortion, Firearm, Narcotics, Civil Rights and Theft Charges
Ten Puerto Rico police officers have been indicted for their alleged participation in a criminal organization, run out of the police department, that used their affiliation with law enforcement to make money through robbery, extortion, manipulating court records and selling illegal narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico.
“The criminal action today dismantles a network of officers who, we allege, used their badges and their guns not to uphold the law, but to break it,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “The indictment portrays a classic criminal shakedown; but the people wielding the guns and stealing the drugs here weren’t mob goodfellas or mafia soldiers – these were police officers violating their oaths to enforce the law, making a mockery of the police’s sacred responsibility to protect the public.”
“Corruption is at the root of all evil,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Division. “These police officers violated the trust of the people of Puerto Rico and not only dishonored the police department, but also their fellow, honest, and hardworking officers. The FBI, along with the United States Attorney's Office, will continue to attack corruption at all levels.”
The indictment, returned on Sept. 24, 2015, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 11 charges against the following police officers: Shylene López-García aka “Plinia;” Ángel Hernández-Nieves, aka “Doble;” Xavier Jiménez-Martínez, aka “Negro;” Alvin Montes-Cintrón, aka “Vinillo;” Ramón Muñiz-Robledo, aka “Marmota;” Guillermo Santos-Castro, aka “Caco Biftec;” Luis Flores-Ortiz, aka “Piquito;” José Neris-Serrano; Manuel Grego-López; and David Centeno-Faría, aka “David Bisbal”.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Other charges against certain defendants include extortion under color of official right, narcotics trafficking, civil rights violations and false statements to federal agents.
According to the indictment, the officers charged with RICO conspiracy were members of a criminal organization who sought to enrich themselves through a pattern of illegal conduct. The officers worked together to conduct traffic stops and enter homes or buildings used by persons suspected of being engaged in criminal activity to steal money, property and narcotics. The officers planted evidence to make false arrests, extorted narcotics and firearms from individuals in exchange for their release. The members of the enterprise gave false testimony, manipulated court records and failed to appear in court when required so that cases would be dismissed. The officers also sold and distributed wholesale quantities of narcotics.
For example, in January 2012, defendants Hernández-Nieves, Muñiz-Robledo and Grego-López, in their capacity as police officers, released a federal fugitive from custody in exchange for firearms.
In another example, the indictment alleges that in February 2013, defendants López-García and Montes-Cintrón, in their capacity as police officers, stole at least 500 grams of cocaine during the course of a police intervention, which Jiménez-Martínez sold afterward in furtherance of the goal of the enterprise.
The indictment charges that the defendants frequently shared the proceeds they illegally obtained and that they used their power, authority and official positions as police officers to promote and protect their illegal activity. Among other things, the indictment charges that they used the Police of Puerto of Rico’s (POPR) firearms, badges, patrol cars, tools, uniforms and other equipment to commit the crimes and concealed their illegal activity with fraudulently obtained court documents and falsified POPR paperwork to make it appear that they were engaged in legitimate police work.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mariana Bauzá-Almonte and Teresa Zapata-Valladares of the District of Puerto Rico.
The charges contained in the indictment 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.
Ten Puerto Rico Police Officers Indicted for Allegedly Running Criminal Organization Out of Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ten Puerto Rico police officers have been indicted for their alleged participation in a criminal organization, run out of the police department, that used their affiliation with law enforcement to make money through robbery, extortion, manipulating court records and selling illegal narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico.
“The criminal action today dismantles a network of officers who, we allege, used their badges and their guns not to uphold the law, but to break it,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “The indictment portrays a classic criminal shakedown; but the people wielding the guns and stealing the drugs here weren’t mob goodfellas or mafia soldiers – these were police officers violating their oaths to enforce the law, making a mockery of the police’s sacred responsibility to protect the public.”
“Corruption is at the root of all evil,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Division. “These police officers violated the trust of the people of Puerto Rico and not only dishonored the police department, but also their fellow, honest, and hardworking officers. The FBI, along with the United States Attorney's Office, will continue to attack corruption at all levels.”
The indictment, returned on Sept. 24, 2015, by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico, includes 11 charges against the following police officers: Shylene López-García aka “Plinia;” Ángel Hernández-Nieves, aka “Doble;” Xavier Jiménez-Martínez, aka “Negro;” Alvin Montes-Cintrón, aka “Vinillo;” Ramón Muñiz-Robledo, aka “Marmota;” Guillermo Santos-Castro, aka “Caco Biftec;” Luis Flores-Ortiz, aka “Piquito;” José Neris-Serrano; Manuel Grego-López; and David Centeno-Faría, aka “David Bisbal”.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Other charges against certain defendants include extortion under color of official right, narcotics trafficking, civil rights violations and false statements to federal agents.
According to the indictment, the officers charged with RICO conspiracy were members of a criminal organization who sought to enrich themselves through a pattern of illegal conduct. The officers worked together to conduct traffic stops and enter homes or buildings used by persons suspected of being engaged in criminal activity to steal money, property and narcotics. The officers planted evidence to make false arrests, extorted narcotics and firearms from individuals in exchange for their release. The members of the enterprise gave false testimony, manipulated court records and failed to appear in court when required so that cases would be dismissed. The officers also sold and distributed wholesale quantities of narcotics.
For example, in January 2012, defendants Hernández-Nieves, Muñiz-Robledo and Grego-López, in their capacity as police officers, released a federal fugitive from custody in exchange for firearms.
In another example, the indictment alleges that in February 2013, defendants López-García and Montes-Cintrón, in their capacity as police officers, stole at least 500 grams of cocaine during the course of a police intervention, which Jiménez-Martínez sold afterward in furtherance of the goal of the enterprise.
The indictment charges that the defendants frequently shared the proceeds they illegally obtained and that they used their power, authority and official positions as police officers to promote and protect their illegal activity. Among other things, the indictment charges that they used the Police of Puerto of Rico’s (POPR) firearms, badges, patrol cars, tools, uniforms and other equipment to commit the crimes and concealed their illegal activity with fraudulently obtained court documents and falsified POPR paperwork to make it appear that they were engaged in legitimate police work.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mariana Bauzá-Almonte and Teresa Zapata-Valladares of the District of Puerto Rico.
The charges contained in the indictment 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.
15 Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of BayamónRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 23, 2015, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a six-count indictment against 15 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Bayamón Strike Force, are in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2009, the organization distributed heroin, crack, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising Los Laureles Public Housing Project and other areas nearby and within the Municipality of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit.
The 15 defendants are: Otoniel Ortiz-Acevedo, aka “Otto;” Roberto Cañon-Guzmán, aka “Claudio;” Luis Iván Vicente-Ocasio, aka “Lento;” Anthony Lee Vicente-Ocasio, aka “Pelú;” Fernando Olivo-Martis, aka “Gordo;” Darwin Pagán-Soto, aka “Darwin;” Michael Ortiz-Maysonet, aka “Bimbo;” Orlanto Rivera-Fernández, aka “Kiki;” Jesús M. Pizarro-Rojas, aka “Chocky;” Christian Oquendo-Álvarez, aka “Fresita;” Enrique Fernández-Riera, aka “Kike;” Geovanni Torres-Santana, aka “Geova;” Elías A. Meléndez-Esquilin, aka “Calvo;” Orlando Rodríguez-Lara; and Marta J. Rivera-Lara.
The 15 co-conspirators had many roles in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. The following are the roles as alleged in the indictment: one leader; five managers/drug owners; one drug processor; two runners; five sellers; one facilitator; enforcers and lookouts. Nine of the defendants are facing one count of possession of firearms of different brands and calibers in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The indictment alleges that, as part of the manner and means of the conspiracy, some of the defendants and their co-conspirators would evict residents from their apartments by force to use those apartments for other co-conspirators. The defendants would conduct drug transactions in the presence of minors and would use and employ them to distribute narcotics at the drug distribution points.
Assistant U.S. Attorney César Rivera-Giraud 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.
Solimar Federal Credit Union Employee Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement of Credit Union FundsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, defendant Tania Maldonado-Suárez pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López to a one-count Information that charged, from on or about October 26, 2005, continuing through on or about May 31, 2007, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendant being an employee of Solimar Federal Credit Union, an institution whose deposits were insured by the National Credit Union Administration Board, with intent to defraud Solimar Federal Credit Union, willfully misapplied, embezzled, abstracted, and purloined the sum of approximately $474,894.69, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
Tania Maldonado-Suárez worked at Solimar Federal Credit Union and was responsible for posting transactions in the financial institutions’ records. During her employment with Solimar Federal Credit Union, Tania Maldonado-Suárez, with the intent to defraud, did willfully misapply, embezzle, and purloin funds that belonged to Solimar Federal Credit Union. Specifically, Maldonado-Suárez withdrew funds from Solimar Federal Credit Union accounts without authorization, failed to deposit checks into accounts, failed to post payments on accounts, and granted unauthorized loans on accounts in order to divert funds from these accounts to herself for her own pecuniary gain.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke Cass. The defendant faces a potential maximum sentence of up to 30 years of imprisonment.
Tutoring Services Corporation and 31 Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Defrauding the Department of EducationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On September 9, 2015, a Federal grand jury returned a seventy-four count indictment charging Rocket Learning, LLC and 31 individuals with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, theft of government money and property, and aggravated identity theft, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Department of Education- Office of Inspector General, the FBI and ICE-HSI are in charge of the investigation. The indictment was unsealed earlier today.
The indictment alleges twenty six-counts of mail fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, related to payments caused to be made via the U.S. Mail to Rocket Learning, Inc., for twenty six fraudulent invoices submitted from 2011 - 2013 to the Puerto Rico Department of Education; one count of theft of public money, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, related to the approximately $954,297.00 in stolen Title I Federal Funds; and forty-five counts of aggravated identity theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), related to the use of means of identification of another person by using the name and signature of real students, in relation to the theft of public money charged in the indictment.
“Individuals and businesses who choose to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of our students and the U.S. taxpayer, instead of providing the educational services invoiced, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests demonstrate the combined federal commitment to combating fraud, waste and abuse. The investigation continues”.
“Supplemental Education Services program funds provide critical resources for deserving students who seek to improve their academic performance. Today’s actions allege that these 31 individuals and the corporation they worked for, billed and retained SES payments for students who did not receive the tutoring services. That is unacceptable,” said Yessyka Santana, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southeastern Regional Office. “Tracking down those who would cheat this important program is a priority of our office.”
The defendants are:
- Rocket Learning, LLC
- Brenda Pérez García – SES Director
- Juan Nieves Rivera Rivera –Director of San Juan Region
- José Acevedo Rivera –Director of Caguas Region
- Lynnette Asencio Plaza –Director of Ponce Region
- Héctor Baez Villanueva –Director of Arecibo Region
- Kay Pagán Rivera – Program Manager in Caguas Region
- Karenie Laborde Muñiz – Program Manager in Caguas Region
- Annerys Rodríguez Aponte – Program Manager in Caguas Region
- Lis García Medina – Program Manager in Caguas Region
- Edjeledeira Meléndez-Rivera – Jr. Program Manager in Caguas Region
- Jonathan Morales Febus – Operation Coordinator in Caguas Region
- Jeannette Ramírez-Zapata – Program Manager in Ponce Region
- Francisco Sánchez Zayas – Program Manager in Ponce Region
- Yamaris Torres Ortiz – Program Manager in Ponce Region
- Sayra López Torres – Program Manager in Ponce Region
- Anita Ortiz Rodríguez – Program Manager in Ponce Region
- Sheila Pagán Carrasquillo – Operation Coordinator in Ponce Region
- Elba Yanira Jiménez Pérez – Program Manager in Arecibo Region
- Gretchen Román Soto – Program Manager in Arecibo Region
- Milliam Centeno Soto – Program Manager in Arecibo Region
- Emmanuel Cruz Martínez – Program Manager in Arecibo Region
- Katia Tapia Torres – Program Manager in Arecibo Region
- Noraima Mercado Vázquez – Program Manager in Arecibo Region
- Nayra Alicea Delgado – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- Eileen Gutiérrez Stone – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- Glorymar Rodríguez Casiano – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- Minerva Mendoza Acevedo – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- Suhayl Méndez Reyes – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- Javier Reyes López – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- Luisa García Arriaga – Program Manager in San Juan Region
- José Sánchez Bauzá – Program Manager in San Juan Region
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Erbe and the Chief of the Financial Fraud and Corruption Unit, José Capó-Iriarte. If found guilty, defendants are facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and two additional years for each aggravated identity theft count. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four Individuals Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, defendants Joel Díaz Rosario, Mitza Vázquez Meléndez, Marielexy Cestary Roland, and Carlos Calderón Díaz pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Bruce J. McGiverin to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On March 25, 2015, a Federal grand jury returned a twenty-three count indictment charging these individuals. The United States Secret Service and the Puerto Rico Police Department were in charge of the investigation.
Beginning in or about June 2008, and continuing to in or about October 2011, the defendants knowingly and willfully conspired or engaged in a scheme to defraud AMGEN to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. The purpose of this scheme was for the defendants to divert AMGEN monies to their pockets using AMGEN’s American Express corporate accounts by making it appear that the transactions were valid purchases to approved vendors when, in fact, they were not. In order to execute the scheme, defendants caused to be transmitted by means of wire communications in interstate commerce numerous fictitious charges for various amounts using AMGEN’s American Express accounts to “approved vendors.”
Defendants admitted that the charges were not actual valid purchases to AMGEN vendors. Rather, this was simply a fictitious method by which to transfer AMGEN monies to defendants for their own pecuniary profit and gain. AMGEN suffered losses totaling over $1.3 million because of this fraudulent scheme.
AMGEN is a multinational company with a manufacturing plant in Juncos, Puerto Rico, which develops biopharmaceutical products. AMGEN’s servers are located in California, Nevada, Rhode Island, Washington, and Colorado. As part of its business, AMGEN issued certain employees American Express credit cards to be used only for official purchases on behalf of AMGEN. Defendant admits that all purchases made using these cards were routed through American Express’ servers in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Some of the defendants had the duty and responsibility to ensure that AMGEN’s facility was able to properly operate twenty four hours a day, seven days a week; but instead, they misused their positions of trust within the company to commit fraud to enrich themselves illegally,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “AMGEN suffered a loss of over $1.3 million as a result of the scheme; those responsible for this loss were held accountable for their corrupt actions.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke Cass.
San Juan Municipal Police Officer Under Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States Magistrate Judge Bruce J. McGiverin authorized a criminal complaint charging San Juan Municipal police officer Luz Zoraida Rojas-Delgado with one count of human smuggling, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint, on August 24, 2015, Rojas-Delgado established communication with a Source of Information requesting assistance to smuggle a friend from Antigua to Puerto Rico. Rojas-Delgado had previously engaged in communications with other people in an attempt to make a deal for the venture but did not agree with the price of $3,000 established by the alleged smuggler.
The investigation conducted by the ICE-HSI revealed that on August 25, 2015, Rojas-Delgado agreed with an undercover agent, who she believed was a smuggler, to bring her Dominican friend from Antigua for $2,800. On August 28, 2015, the defendant met with the undercover agent and after paying $1,800 for the smuggling, she was arrested.
The investigation also revealed that Rojas-Delgado stated that she was working on building a case against transporters to later turn it over to pertinent agencies. HSI special agents were able to confirm with the San Juan Municipal Police that Rojas-Delgado was not working on any authorized operation at the time of her arrest.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe. If convicted defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Puerto Rico Police Officer Assigned to the Caguas Property Division Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Yesterday, a federal grand jury indicted Puerto Rico Police Officer Claudé Luis Merced-Aponte, 49, for possession and receipt of child pornography, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Today, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) arrested him without incident.
Count one of the Indictment alleges that on or about April 7, 2015, Merced-Aponte did knowingly possess material which contained images of child pornography, that is, images of minors and prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Count two alleges that in or about the year 2012 the defendant received, via the Internet, similar images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Claudé Luis Merced-Aponte is also facing a Forfeiture Allegation which includes various computers, cellular phones, external hard drives and memory sticks. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison if he is found guilty.
“No one is above the law, no matter what rank or badge a person might hold,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Exploitation by those entrusted to enforce the law strikes at the heart of our criminal justice system, and it will not be tolerated. This case lays bare a disgraceful attempt by a veteran police officer to mistakenly believe that he could commit heinous crimes against children and hide in the shadows. The Justice Department will fight criminals wherever we find them, even within the ranks of law enforcement.”
“These allegations are particularly troubling and disturbing because of Mr. Merced-Aponte’s position of trust as a law enforcement officer,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “Identifying people who violate their positions of public trust by contributing to the exploitation of children is a top priority for HSI as our statistics show. This year, we have seen an alarming increase of 47 percent in these cases as compared to fiscal year 2014. We cannot, and will not, tolerate that. HSI will continue identifying, arresting and prosecuting those who attempt against the safety and security of our children regardless of who they are.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo, from the Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit, is in charge of the prosecution of the case. 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.
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 12,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2014, more than 2,300 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.
Individual Found Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a four day jury trial, Delfín Robles-Álvarez was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation, conspiracy to import cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Judge Pérez-Giménez presided over the trial. Eight other co-conspirators had already pled guilty and are awaiting sentence and one other defendant is awaiting extradition.
According to the indictment, throughout the year of 2005 and continuing up to 2014, the defendant, along with others, intentionally combined, conspired, and agreed to possess with intent to import and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine from Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles into Puerto Rico.
During trial, the government presented video, audio, and telephone recordings of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles, to Puerto Rico for distribution and sale as well as the laundering of funds in excess of 12 million U.S. dollars. The complex conspiracy involved numerous players with various roles, the smuggling of money and drugs both by sea and by air, and various methods to launder the proceeds from these illegal activities, one of which was the Puerto Rico lottery system. A jury heard lay and expert testimony at trial that proved Delfin Robles-Alvarez’ willful participation and knowing involvement in the conspiracy.
“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against narcotics in Puerto Rico. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of this defendant at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mariana Bauza and Special Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Goetchius. Delfín Robles-Álvarez faces a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The now convicted defendant also faces a possible fine and a money judgment to be determined later by the Judge.
Alleged Rapist Under Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, United States Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé authorized a criminal complaint charging Carlos Cruz-Rivera with two counts of carjacking, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. FBI is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint, on July 21, 2015, Cruz-Rivera was detained by the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) pursuant to an ongoing investigation concerning several incidents of rape, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery that occurred during the months of May through July of 2015.
The investigation conducted by the PRPD revealed that on June 30, 2015, at approximately 9:30 PM, the defendant carjacked an adult woman (hereinafter referred to as Victim 1). That night Victim 1 arrived to her home in the Santurce area and as she exited she felt someone press against her back and shoulder. When she turned to look at the person, she saw Cruz-Rivera standing beside her vehicle, holding a medium sized silver revolver. Cruz-Rivera instructed her to move over to the passenger side of the vehicle.
Cruz-Rivera then drove Victim 1’s vehicle to a Bank located in the Isla Verde area. While driving there, Victim 1 asked Cruz-Rivera where they were going and expressed concerns to him about being raped because she was six months pregnant. Cruz-Rivera simply told her that they were going “somewhere” and that she did not need to worry about the details. Once they arrived at the bank, Cruz-Rivera took Victim 1’s ATM card and pin number and withdrew $500 in cash. Video from the ATM footage obtained in the investigation reveals CRUZ-RIVERA driving Victim 1’s vehicle through the ATM drive-through.
After making the withdrawal, Cruz-Rivera drove Victim 1 to a secluded area in Villa Palmera and stopped the vehicle. Once there, he committed lascivious acts while she pleaded with him not to rape her. Cruz-Rivera then got out of the car and left the area.
The investigation also revealed that on July 11, 2015, Cruz-Rivera committed another carjacking in the Santurce area of San Juan. At approximately 11:00 PM, an adult female, hereinafter referred to as Victim 2 stopped at a Shell gas station on the corner of Calle Loíza and San Jorge. Cruz-Rivera approached her and announced that this was a hold up. He then pointed a black pistol at Victim 2 and ordered her to open the front passenger side door of her vehicle.
After Victim 2 unlocked the vehicle door, Cruz-Rivera instructed her to drive to the same bank located in the Isla Verde area where he had taken Victim 1. Upon arriving at the Bank, Cruz-Rivera placed the pistol against her right side and instructed her to drive through the ATM drive-through and withdraw $60 from the ATM. Upon doing so, Cruz-Rivera took the money and again instructed Victim 2 to drive to a secluded area in Villa Palmera, which was within walking distance of his home. Upon arriving at the location, Cruz-Rivera instructed Victim 2 to stop the vehicle and he got out.
On July 21, 2015 PRPD officers recovered a black .40 caliber Glock 22 pistol with three magazines from the Llorens Torres Apartment where Cruz-Rivera was arrested. On July 22, both victims positively identified Cruz-Rivera in a line-up as their assailant.
“I commend the PRPD agents and detectives for their persistence and efforts in solving these crimes,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will zealously protect the victims who are coming forward in order to seek justice and, will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This sexual predator will no longer be able to roam the streets of Puerto Rico looking for defenseless and innocent victims to attack at will. The FBI, along with the United States Attorney’s Office, will continue to use all its resources and tools to investigate, charge, and prosecute individuals like Cruz-Rivera,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega, Supervisor of the Violent Crimes Unit. If convicted defendant faces a maximum penalty of up life in prison. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
105 Individuals Indicted for Violating the RICO Act in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
A nine count federal indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging 105 defendants with racketeering, drug trafficking, drive-by shooting murders and related firearm offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. 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.
The indictment alleges that the defendants are part of a criminal organization known as La Rompe ONU. Through its criminal activities “La Rompe ONU” enriched its members and maintained and increased the power of the organization. Members of La Rompe ONU would sell 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. Moreover, members of the organization used violence and intimidation, including murder, to increase the power, territory and profits of La Rompe ONU.
Members of La Rompe ONU had different roles in order to further the goals of the enterprise. As alleged in the indictment, 35 leaders/drug point owners/drug point administrators, who directed and supervised the organization’s criminal activities; 25 enforcers; eight suppliers; 11 runners; 25 sellers; and one drug processor.
According to the indictment, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, the organization committed 12 murders, including three massacres. Enforcers of La Rompe ONU carried out the murders of the following individuals:
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On Feb. 8, 2011, enforcers shot and killed David González-Reyes, aka “Chispa.”
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On May 10, 2011, enforcers shot and killed Ricco Luis Dávila-Díaz.
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On June 25, 2011, during a drive-by shooting, enforcers shot and killed Edwin Díaz-Cruz, Hervin Valcarcel-Martínez aka “Prieto,” Javier Catala-Bermúdez, and Orlando Meléndez-Villegas. This massacre is known as the Tortuguero Massacre.
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On July 20, 2011, during a drive-by shooting, enforcers shot and killed Santos Díaz-Camacho aka “Joel Bazooka,” Juan Rosario-Mercado aka “Toñito,” and Kevin Soto-Román aka “El Gordo.” This massacre is known as the Paseos Massacre.
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On Aug. 28, 2012, during a drive-by shooting, enforcers shot and killed Luis Ojeda-Andino aka “Pollo,” Luis Velázquez-Aquino aka “Urraca” and José Ayala-García. This massacre is known as the Jardines de Cupey Massacre.
According to the indictment, 69 of the 105 defendants are charged with using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Thirty-two firearms were seized from the defendants during the investigation, and they face a forfeiture allegation of $82 million.
“The historic indictment unsealed today shows our continued efforts to dismantle dangerous criminal organizations operating in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “We remain undeterred in our commitment to ensure safety and seek justice for victims of violent crimes in Puerto Rico. ‘La Rompe ONU’ will no longer terrorize law abiding citizens in Puerto Rico. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to build solid cases against these individuals, and bring them to justice.”
“Today’s arrests demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to dismantle violent drug trafficking gangs that are affecting the quality of life of our law abiding citizens in the community,” said Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera for ATF’s Miami Field Division. “The key to this fight is bringing the resources of all levels of government to empower law enforcement to target organized groups of violent criminals with enhanced punishment and criminal penalties through the utilization of federal statutes, such as, the Violent Crime in Aiding and Abetting Racketeering statute. This sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the heinous activity perpetrated by gangs like ‘La Rompe ONU’ and evidences our commitment to work together to dismantle violent street gangs.”
The defendants are: Josué Vázquez-Carrasquillo aka “Mayito/Mayo/El Father,” Pedro Vigio-Aponte aka “Pedrito/Pedrito He-Man/Pello/Pedrito Trauma,” Frankie Rosa-Calderón aka “Anky/El Negro/Frank,” Luis F. Alicea-Colón aka “Trenza/Enano/Luis Trenza,” Miguel Vázquez-Martínez aka “Miguelo/Radio/Miclo/Bj,” Rubén Cotto-Andino aka “Rubén El Negro,” Ernesto Morales-Castro aka “Nestor/Los Gorditos,” Christian Morales-Castro aka “Bimbo/Los Gorditos,” Reyfrank Quiñones-Carrión aka “Pelotero,” Kelvin D. Morales-Cintrón, Ismael Méndez-Arroyo aka “Bolillo,” Michael Muñiz-Sánchez, Jonathan Pérez-Rodríguez aka “Perra/Perreke,” José L. Ortiz-Aguirre aka “Cheo/Cheo Cedeño,” Reinaldo Rodríguez-Martínez aka “Pitbull,” William Ortiz-Aguirre aka “Playa/Play,” Kidanny Figueroa-Osorio aka “Sony/Sonata,” José L. Soto-Rivera aka “Luisito/Scary,” José E. Mojica-Robles aka “Papito Mojica,” Victor M. Rodríguez-Torres aka “Cuca/Cucaracha/Papotin,” Rafael Andino-Ojeda aka “Rafa/Rafa Colgate/Boca Chula,” Myles J. Román-Adorno, Guillermo Sánchez-Mora aka “Guillo,” Emanuel Zabala-Pérez aka “Punky/Dalmata,” Alexander Rivera-Carrión aka “Lechon,” David E. Rodríguez-Castro, Rafael Hiraldo-Alejandro aka “Bolillo,” Alexis Cartagena-Gerena aka “Pollo,” Ángel L. Soto-Ramos aka “Huesito,” Oscar A. Calviño-Acevedo aka “Alex,” Jesús De-Jesús-Colón aka “Romulo,” José L. Méndez-De-Jesús aka “Sonso/Nariz,” William Zambrana-Sierra aka “W/Willito,” Edgar González-Rivera aka “Eggy,” Arnaldo Alicea-Colón aka “Naldito,” Xavier Castro-Vega aka “Raton,” Carlos M. Guerrero-Castro aka “Carlitos El Negro/Marcel,” Analdi Tanco-Moreno aka “Kimbito,” Orlando J. Santana aka “Fino,” Luis F. Rodríguez-Márquez aka “Cheykin,” Jesús E. Montalvan-Díaz aka “Luis Garcia-Diaz/Willy Wonka,” Amaury Méndez-Rosado aka “Boty,” Luis Yanyore-Pizarro aka “Kimbo/Bauncer/Jose Boria-Millan,” Fnu Lnu aka “Eziel,” Luis Martínez-Nieves aka “Raya/Trenza,” Michael Rivera-Rodríguez, Alvin A. Cabezas-Cintrón aka “Ardilla,” Jaime M. Semiday-Pérez, Kenny O. Pacheco aka “Keny/Bolin,” Roberto Fuentes-Pacheco aka “Junito Parcha,” Roger Falu-Diaz aka “Gua,” Félix A. Malave-Torres aka “Cholon,” Edgardo Luna-López aka “Piri/Enano,” Jessy J. Meléndez-Hernández aka “Koby/El Negro/Lely,” Denzel Rodríguez-Caraballo, Abimael Cruz-Rodríguez aka “Lindo/Feo/Metra,” Ángel L. Cotto-Negrón aka “Quija/Kija,” José E. Rivera-Maldonado aka “Camon,” Fnu Lnu aka “Gaby,” José D. Resto-Figueroa aka “Tego,” Orlando Padilla-Ayala aka “Oreo/Willito/Angel M. Santiago-Ayala,” Kernis Rodríguez-Rivera aka “Sosa,” Walter D. Muller-Colón aka “Vampy/Bolo,” Wilfredo Ruiz aka “Freddy,” Carlos E. Brioso-Collantes aka “El Barber/Wiso El Barber,” Carlos Velázquez-Fontanez aka “Pirin,” Jonathan Figueroa-Catinchi aka “Katinchi,” Iram I. Santander-Zulueta aka “Cubano,” Charlie J. Fournier-Collazo aka “Chiry,” Edgardo R. Ruano-Chévere aka “Masacre/Masa,” Francisco J. González-Camacho aka “Lento,” Nestor R. Concepción-Rivera aka “Nesti/Kilate,” Ivette Vázquez-Droz aka “Ive/Precious Moments,” Billy Villanueva-Carrasquillo aka “Meca/Billy Meca,” Jayfrank Quiñones-Carrión, Félix Rodríguez-Rodríguez aka “Correa/Baloncelista/El Indio,” Daniel O. Martínez-Vélez aka “Berto,” Luis F. Díaz-Tineo aka “Pipen/Pipe,” Josué O. Figueroa-Rodríguez, Ramón Vicenty-Rivera aka “Poke,” Luis E. Guadalupe-Camacho aka “Yaya/Yayi/Ardilla,” Julio N. Matos-Sánchez aka “Julio Maraña,” Reynaldo González-Zayas aka “Cuto,” Bryan Martínez aka “Fat Boy,” Damian Fernández-Jorge, José A. Fournier-Collazo aka “Semilla,” Kevin Castro-Vega, Juan Guadalupe-Delgado aka “Bocao,” David García-Franco aka “David Nota,” Giovani Justiniano-Díaz aka “Zegueta,” Christian Vázquez-Hernández aka “Chapa,” James Steele-Torres aka “Negro Steele,” Nilda Santiago-Espinosa aka “Katy,” Alex Santiago-Crespo aka “Papo Swing/Ale,” Francisco Vargas-Sánchez aka “Maraña,” Carlos Miranda aka “Eo,” Ramón Andino-Peguero aka “Mono,” Victor Alfonso-Jorge aka “Nano,” Héctor J. Cruz-Vargas, aka “Punky,” Yamil Arrizmendi-Santana, aka “El Mono,” Robert D. Pérez-Núñez aka “Minino,” Anthony Espada-Colón aka “Oreo/Apu,” Daniel De-Jesús-Díaz aka “Paleta,” Luis E. Espada-Colón aka “Zona” and Astrid J. Martínez-Valentin aka “La Jefa.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández are in charge of the prosecution of the case. They were assisted by attorney from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Capital Crimes Section and Organized Crime and Gang Section. ATF and PRPD were in charge of the investigation. Approximately 700 agents from federal and commonwealth authorities participated in the arrests.
If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. Eighteen of the defendants who participated in the murders included in the indictment are eligible for the death penalty. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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105 Individuals Indicted for Violating the Rico Act in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A nine (9) count federal indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging one hundred and five (105) defendants with racketeering, drug trafficking, drive-by shooting murders and related firearm offenses, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. 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.
The indictment alleges that the defendants are part of a criminal organization known as “La Rompe ONU.” Through its criminal activities “La Rompe ONU” enriched its members and maintained and increased the power of the organization. Members of “La Rompe ONU” would sell 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. Moreover, members of the organization used violence and intimidation, including murder, to increase the power, territory, and profits of “La Rompe ONU.”
Members of “La Rompe ONU” had different roles in order to further the goals of the enterprise. As alleged in the indictment, there were thirty-five (35) leaders/drug point owners/drug point administrators, who directed and supervised the organization’s criminal activities; twenty-five (25) enforcers; eight (8) suppliers; eleven (11) runners; twenty-five (25) sellers; and one (1) drug processor.
According to the indictment, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, the organization committed twelve (12) murders, including three (3) massacres. Enforcers of “La Rompe ONU” carried out the murders of the following individuals:
- On February 8, 2011, enforcers shot and killed David González-Reyes, aka “Chispa.”
- On May 10, 2011, enforcers shot and killed Ricco Luis Dávila-Díaz.
- On June 25, 2011, during a “drive-by” shooting, enforcers shot and killed Edwin Díaz-Cruz, Hervin Valcarcel-Martínez, aka “Prieto,” Javier Catala-Bermúdez, and Orlando Meléndez-Villegas. This massacre is known as the “Tortuguero Massacre.”
- On July 20, 2011, during a “drive-by” shooting, enforcers shot and killed Santos Díaz-Camacho, aka “Joel Bazooka,” Juan Rosario-Mercado, aka “Toñito,” and Kevin Soto-Román, aka “El Gordo.” This massacre is known as the “Paseos Massacre.”
- On August 28, 2012, during a “drive-by” shooting, enforcers shot and killed Luis Ojeda-Andino, aka “Pollo,” Luis Velázquez-Aquino, aka “Urraca,” and José Ayala-García. This massacre is known as the “Jardines de Cupey Massacre.”
According to the indictment, sixty-nine (69) of the one hundred and five (105) defendants are charged with using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Thirty-two (32) firearms were seized from the defendants during the investigation, and they face a forfeiture allegation of eighty-two million dollars ($82,000,000).
“The historic indictment unsealed today shows our continued efforts to dismantle dangerous criminal organizations operating in our communities. 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. “‘La Rompe ONU’ will no longer terrorize law abiding citizens in Puerto Rico. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to build solid cases against these individuals, and bring them to justice.”
“Today’s arrests demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to dismantle violent drug trafficking gangs that are affecting the quality of life of our law abiding citizens in the community. The key to this fight is bringing the resources of all levels of government to empower law enforcement to target organized groups of violent criminals with enhanced punishment and criminal penalties through the utilization of federal statutes, such as, the Violent Crime in Aiding and Abetting Racketeering statute. This sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the heinous activity perpetrated by gangs like ‘La Rompe ONU,’ and evidences our commitment to work together to dismantle violent street gangs,” stated Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Miami Field Division.
The defendants are: Josué Vázquez-Carrasquillo, aka “Mayito/Mayo/El Father”; Pedro Vigio-Aponte, aka “Pedrito/Pedrito He-Man/Pello/Pedrito Trauma”; Frankie Rosa-Calderón aka “Anky/El Negro/Frank”; Luis F. Alicea-Colón, aka “Trenza/Enano/Luis Trenza”; Miguel Vázquez-Martínez, aka “Miguelo/Radio/Miclo/Bj”; Rubén Cotto-Andino, aka “Rubén El Negro”; Ernesto Morales-Castro, aka “Nestor/Los Gorditos”; Christian Morales-Castro, aka “Bimbo/Los Gorditos”; Reyfrank Quiñones-Carrión, aka “Pelotero”; Kelvin D. Morales-Cintrón; Ismael Méndez-Arroyo, aka “Bolillo”; Michael Muñiz-Sánchez; Jonathan Pérez-Rodríguez, aka “Perra/Perreke”; José L. Ortiz-Aguirre, aka “Cheo/Cheo Cedeño”; Reinaldo Rodríguez-Martínez, aka “Pitbull”; William Ortiz-Aguirre, aka “Playa/Play”; Kidanny Figueroa-Osorio, aka “Sony/Sonata”; José L. Soto-Rivera, aka “Luisito/Scary”; José E. Mojica-Robles, aka “Papito Mojica”; Victor M. Rodríguez-Torres, aka “Cuca/Cucaracha/Papotin”; Rafael Andino-Ojeda, aka “Rafa/Rafa Colgate/Boca Chula”; Myles J. Román-Adorno; Guillermo Sánchez-Mora, aka “Guillo”; Emanuel Zabala-Pérez, aka “Punky/Dalmata”; Alexander Rivera-Carrión, aka “Lechon”; David E. Rodríguez-Castro; Rafael Hiraldo-Alejandro, aka “Bolillo”; Alexis Cartagena-Gerena, aka “Pollo”; Ángel L. Soto-Ramos, aka “Huesito”; Oscar A. Calviño-Acevedo, aka “Alex”; Jesús De-Jesús-Colón, aka “Romulo”; José L. Méndez-De-Jesús, aka “Sonso/Nariz”; William Zambrana-Sierra, aka “W/Willito”; Edgar González-Rivera, aka “Eggy”; Arnaldo Alicea-Colón, aka “Naldito”; Xavier Castro-Vega, aka “Raton”; Carlos M. Guerrero-Castro, aka “Carlitos El Negro/Marcel”; Analdi Tanco-Moreno, aka “Kimbito”; Orlando J. Santana, aka “Fino”; Luis F. Rodríguez-Márquez, aka “Cheykin”; Jesús E. Montalvan-Díaz, aka “Luis Garcia-Diaz/Willy Wonka”; Amaury Méndez-Rosado, aka “Boty”; Luis Yanyore-Pizarro, aka “Kimbo/Bauncer/Jose Boria-Millan”; FNU LNU, aka “Eziel”; Luis Martínez-Nieves, aka “Raya/Trenza”; Michael Rivera-Rodríguez; Alvin A. Cabezas-Cintrón, aka “Ardilla”; Jaime M. Semiday-Pérez; Kenny O. Pacheco, aka “Keny/Bolin”; Roberto Fuentes-Pacheco, aka “Junito Parcha”; Roger Falu-Diaz, aka “Gua”; Félix A. Malave-Torres, aka “Cholon”; Edgardo Luna-López, aka “Piri/Enano”; Jessy J. Meléndez-Hernández, aka “Koby/El Negro/Lely”; Denzel Rodríguez-Caraballo; Abimael Cruz-Rodríguez; aka “Lindo/Feo/Metra”; Ángel L. Cotto-Negrón; aka “Quija/Kija”; José E. Rivera-Maldonado, aka “Camon”; FNU LNU, aka “Gaby”; José D. Resto-Figueroa, aka “Tego”; Orlando Padilla-Ayala, aka “Oreo/Willito/Angel M. Santiago-Ayala”; Kernis Rodríguez-Rivera, aka “Sosa”; Walter D. Muller-Colón, aka “Vampy/Bolo”; Wilfredo Ruiz, aka “Freddy”; Carlos E. Brioso-Collantes, aka “El Barber/Wiso El Barber”; Carlos Velázquez-Fontanez, aka “Pirin”; Jonathan Figueroa-Catinchi, aka “Katinchi”; Iram I. Santander-Zulueta, “Cubano”; Charlie J. Fournier-Collazo, aka “Chiry”; Edgardo R. Ruano-Chévere, aka “Masacre/Masa”; Francisco J. González-Camacho, aka “Lento”; Nestor R. Concepción-Rivera, aka “Nesti/Kilate”; Ivette Vázquez-Droz, aka “Ive/Precious Moments”; Billy Villanueva-Carrasquillo, aka “Meca/Billy Meca”; Jayfrank Quiñones-Carrión; Félix Rodríguez-Rodríguez, aka “Correa/Baloncelista/El Indio”; Daniel O. Martínez-Vélez, aka “Berto”; Luis F. Díaz-Tineo, aka “Pipen/Pipe”; Josué O. Figueroa-Rodríguez; Ramón Vicenty-Rivera, aka “Poke”; Luis E. Guadalupe-Camacho, aka “Yaya/Yayi/Ardilla”; Julio N. Matos-Sánchez, aka “Julio Maraña”; Reynaldo González-Zayas, aka “Cuto”; Bryan Martínez, aka “Fat Boy”; Damian Fernández-Jorge; José A. Fournier-Collazo, aka “Semilla”; Kevin Castro-Vega; Juan Guadalupe-Delgado, aka “Bocao”; David García-Franco, aka “David Nota”; Giovani Justiniano-Díaz, aka “Zegueta”; Christian Vázquez-Hernández, aka “Chapa”; James Steele-Torres, aka “Negro Steele”; Nilda Santiago-Espinosa, aka “Katy”; Alex Santiago-Crespo, aka “Papo Swing/Ale”; Francisco Vargas-Sánchez, aka “Maraña”; Carlos Miranda, aka “Eo”; Ramón Andino-Peguero, aka “Mono”; Victor Alfonso-Jorge, aka “Nano”; Héctor J. Cruz-Vargas, aka “Punky”; Yamil Arrizmendi-Santana, aka “El Mono”; Robert D. Pérez-Núñez, aka “Minino”; Anthony Espada-Colón, aka “Oreo/Apu”; Daniel De-Jesús-Díaz, aka “Paleta”; Luis E. Espada-Colón, aka “Zona”; and Astrid J. Martínez-Valentin, aka “La Jefa.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández are 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. Approximately seven-hundred (700) agents from federal and Commonwealth authorities participated in the arrests.
If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. Eighteen (18) of the defendants who participated in the murders included in the indictment are eligible for the death penalty. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Owners of the Lawman Gun Shop SentencedRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – María Del Carmen Rivera-Negrón and Julio Colón-Santiago, owners of Lawman Gun Shop, were sentenced to 24 months and 36 months in prison, respectively, for unlawful production of an identification document, specifically, a Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permit announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendants pled guilty on August 11, 2014.
On or about the 21st day of May, 2012, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendants aiding and abetting others, did willfully and knowingly cause, without lawful authority, production of identification documents, authentication features, and false identification documents, to wit, a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permit under Weapons Permit Number XX129, with the help of Attorney and Notary Public Antonio Peluzzo-Perotin.
María Del Carmen Rivera-Negrón and Julio Colón-Santiago co-owned The Lawman Gun Shop, a federally licensed firearms (FFL) dealer. Using their positions, the defendants participated in a scheme to have Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permits issued without compliance with applicable law. Defendants’ scheme involved over 250 victims and more than $1,000,000 in losses, some to the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury.
Defendants used their special skills as owners of an armory and federally licensed firearms dealers in order to carry out the scheme. The Board of Directors of Rivera Pagán & Asociados, Inc., d/b/a The Lawman Gun Shop also authorized a guilty plea on behalf of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Corporation.
María Del Carmen Rivera-Negrón, Julio Colón-Santiago, and Rivera Pagán & Asociados, Inc., d/b/a The Lawman Gun Shop admitted that the scheme permitted unqualified individuals to carry firearms without being properly vetted under the law thereby circumventing the statutory, judicial, and bureaucratic processes for obtaining a Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permit.
“As federally licensed firearms dealers and gun shop owners, the defendants were placed in a unique position of trust by both local and federal authorities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “They were entrusted with ensuring that guns were placed only in the hands of those who should have them under the law. The defendants traded and abused that trust -- for cash. That is simply wrong, especially on our island where gun violence is a continuing concern.”
Former attorney Antonio M. Peluzzo-Perotin was sentenced on March 25, 2015, to 90 months in prison, and three years of supervised release. Julio Medina-Mojica, former President of the Humacao Shooting Range, was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) are in charge of the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Capó-Iriarte and Luke Cass.
Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Bulk Cash Smuggling and Theft of Government Property While Serving in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Fort Buchanan Army Reserve Staff Sergeant pleaded guilty today to bulk cash smuggling of $113,050 and theft of government property worth $6,302 while serving in Afghanistan.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rose Emilia Rodriguez-Velez of the District of Puerto Rico, Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Division Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Gary J. Hartwig of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Chicago Field Office, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John F. Sopko, Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s (CID) Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul Sternal of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office and Brigadier General Keith M. Givens, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) made the announcement.
Luis Ramon Casellas, 42, of Canovanas, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille L. Velez-Rive of the District of Puerto Rico to three counts of bulk cash smuggling and one count of theft of government property. Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Carmen Consuelo Cerezo of the District of Puerto Rico will be scheduled at a later date.
Since 2009, Casellas has been an Army Reservist Staff Sergeant on active status based at Fort Buchanan in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. In April 2013, Casellas was deployed by the Army to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. As part of his duties, Casellas was responsible for helping to break down smaller bases in preparation for the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan. These duties included retrieving U.S. government property for future use and selling unsuitable material as scrap to Afghan contractors.
Between June 17 and Aug. 9, 2013, Casellas was the leader of a three-person Army team that went to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Afghanistan to help break down that base. In connection with his plea, Casellas admitted that, while this team was at the FOB, he stole tools and equipment, including laptops, belonging to the U.S. Department of Defense. Casellas also admitted that, in July 2013, Casellas sent approximately eight boxes from the FOB through the U.S. Postal Service addressed to his wife in Puerto Rico, and that the boxes contained some of the stolen government property and undeclared U.S. currency totaling $50,500.
In addition, in August 2013, Casellas sent two boxes from Kandahar through UPS, again addressed to his wife, that were marked as “gifts for family.” In connection with his plea, Casellas admitted that, although he declared that the items inside the boxes were valued at $700 and $400, repectively, one box contained some of the stolen government property as well as $41,750 in U.S. currency, and the other box contained $20,800 in U.S. currency. These boxes were intercepted by U.S. Customs in Louisville, Kentucky.
This case was investigated by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, the FBI, ICE-HSI, Army CID, DCIS and AFOSI. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Daniel P. Butler of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia M. Meconiates of the District of Puerto Rico.
Defendant Sentenced to 540 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – William Santiago-Reyes was sentenced to 540 months (45 years) in prison for his participation in various crimes, including Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking and firearms violations, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendant pled guilty on February 4, 2015, before United States District Court Senior Judge Daniel R. Domínguez.
On or about May 5, 2012, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendant herein, aiding and abetting another individual, knowingly carried and used a firearm, during and in relation to a crime of violence, resulting in death of Ranger American Security Guard Nelson Mills Bernabe.
During the afternoon of May 5, 2012, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the defendant, William Santiago-Reyes and an associate by the name of Juan Benítez-Rodríguez (Benítez-Rodríguez) entered the Plaza Loíza Supermarket, wearing Suiza Dairy company polo shirts. The subjects were captured on video, which shows them scouting the area, looking for the manager. When they found the manager, Santiago-Reyes flashed the revolver that he was carrying and directed him to take the defendants to the money room.
Once inside the office, Benítez-Rodríguez ordered the manager to give them all the cash contained in the safe. Minutes later, a Ranger American Security Guard, Nelson Mills Bernabe, arrived at the supermarket for a scheduled money pick-up. Mills Bernabe proceeded to the manager’s office door where Santiago-Reyes assaulted him from behind, and a scuffle ensued between the two men. Both Santiago-Reyes and Benítez-Rodríguez attempted to subdue the guard, but Mills Bernabe was able to remove his pistol from the holster, and fired some shots at the two subjects, striking both of them.
Santiago-Reyes responded by firing shots at Mills Bernabe from the revolver he was carrying, wounding him on the right arm and shoulder. The defendants attempted to flee from a back door located in the cafeteria area but they were unable to do so. Benítez-Rodríguez collapsed by the door, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The video shows Santiago-Reyes as he picked up Mill Bernabe’s pistol and placed it inside his waistband; he flipped the body of Benítez-Rodríguez over and searched through his pockets, removing cash and car keys. He also picked up the red cooler, which contained the money stolen from the supermarket, $18,970.07, and exited through the front doors of the supermarket.
Santiago-Reyes got into a green Mitsubishi Lancer and attempted to exit the parking lot. The driver of the armored truck, attempted to block his exit, but was unable to do so. The police arrived and were able to apprehend the defendant without incident. Santiago-Reyes had been seriously injured, and was bleeding profusely at the time of his apprehension. He was transported to a local hospital, where he eventually recovered from his injuries. The security guard, Nelson Mills Bernabe was transported to a local hospital, but was unable to recover from his trauma, and was pronounced dead later that day.
The FBI Investigation revealed that William Santiago Reyes and Benítez-Rodríguez had broken out of local jail on or about April 15, 2012, approximately three weeks prior to the commission of the Plaza Loíza Supermarket armed robbery. They also were involved in another carjacking and an armed robbery to a Financial Institution while they were runaways from the local authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were in charge of the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga B. Castellón.
AIREKO Construction Company Indicted for Violations of the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced today that a the grand jury in San Juan returned a six count indictment against AIREKO Construction Co. The charges are the result of the illegal removal of asbestos during the renovation of the 9th floor of the Minillas North Tower in May 2012.
The grand jury charged AIREKO with five counts of failing to comply with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) by failing: (1) to adequately wet the asbestos during the removal; (2) to have a properly trained supervisor on site during the removal; (3) to properly place the asbestos in leak tight bags; (4) failing to properly label the asbestos containing waste material; (5) to properly dispose of the asbestos containing material at an authorized land fill. Count Six charges the defendant with failing to notify immediately the appropriate government agency of the release of a reportable quantity of a hazard substance-asbestos.
The indictment alleges that between Saturday 12 and Sunday May 13, 2012, subcontractors, working within the scope of their employment and at least in part for the benefit AIREKO, removed ceiling materials containing > 1% asbestos and placed the asbestos containing materials in the trash area in back of the Minillas North Tower. The failure to notify charge focuses on conduct of corporate officials who discovered the release of asbestos on Monday May 14, and failed to make the appropriate notifications.
The illegal removal of the asbestos containing ceiling material and transporting it down to the trash area without following the NESHA work practice requirements resulted in the contamination of the entire office building. The building was ordered closed by the Public Building Authority on May 20, 2015. Clean-up required almost one year to complete.
In a related matter, the U.S. Attorney also filed a one count Information charging Edgardo Albino with failing to notify immediately the appropriate government agency of the release of a reportable quantity of a hazard substance-asbestos. Mr. Albino 60, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, is the Vice-President of Operations and Executive Owner of AIREKO. He was the senior AIREKO employee responsible for supervising the ninth floor renovation.
The case was investigated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Region II Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Howard P. Stewart, Senior Litigation Counsel, Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice Washington, D.C., and Assistant United States Attorney Mariana E. Bauzá-Almonte with assistance from Carolina Jordan-García, EPA Region II Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
Three Individuals Found Guilty of Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After an eight-day jury trial, José Cepeda-Martínez, Peter Rosario-Serrano and Juan Tanco-Baez were found guilty of firearm offenses, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Senior Judge Daniel Domínguez presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about March 26, 2014, the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) arrested Cepeda-Martínez, Rosario-Serrano and Tanco-Báez for weapons violations and for the murder of an individual which occurred at the Román Baldorioty de Castro Expressway in Carolina, PR on the same day.
In the morning of March 26, 2014, a 911 call alerted the PRPD about a rapid gunfire reported at the Baldorioty Expressway. The call also alerted about a Jeep Cherokee fleeing the scene and going towards San Juan. Officers who were patrolling the area noted and identified the license plate of the Jeep Cherokee, and immediately pursued the vehicle. The individuals ended up fleeing the scene and later were arrested. A total of three Glock Pistols, two of them modified to fire as automatic weapons, ammunition, marihuana and three cellular phones were seized upon arrest.
“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against illegal firearms and violent crime in Puerto Rico. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of these defendants at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Zenón-Matos and Assistant United States Attorney Victor Acevedo-Hernández. The defendants are facing a maximum sentence of 10 years for each count.
Thirty Year-Old Man Found Guilty of Transportation of an 8-10 Year-Old Minor with the Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a four-day jury trial, Randy Charriez-Rolón was found guilty of two counts of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in Criminal Sexual Conduct and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Chief United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón presided over the trial.
According to the Superseding Indictment, the defendant transported a minor, identified as “John Doe,” to, among other places, a park near his school and to the parking lot of public swimming pool, both located in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, where he sexually abused the minor inside his heavily tinted car.
During trial, the government presented evidence that Charriez-Rolón purchased numerous gifts for John Doe as an enticement for engaging in the illicit sexual conduct and also threatened to harm John Doe and his parents if he did not agree to continue engaging in such conduct.
“This case revealed the disturbing truth that some adults will go to great lengths to sexually exploit minors. The conviction of this predator showed the commitment of our state and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute criminals that victimize our 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 Attorney Marshal Morgan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cristina Caraballo. The now convicted defendant faces a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The sentencing is scheduled for October, 2015, and the defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
Defendant Sentenced in the Lawman Gun Shop CaseRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Julio Medina-Mojica, former President of the Humacao Shooting Range, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for unlawful production of an identification document, specifically, a Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permit announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Medina-Mojica pled guilty on March 10, 2015.
On or about the 21st day of May, 2012, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendants aiding and abetting others, did willfully and knowingly cause, without lawful authority, production of identification documents, authentication features, and false identification documents, to wit, a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permit under Weapons Permit Number XX129, in coordination with referrals by and through The Lawman Gun Shop using an intermediary who was both his employee and a Police of Puerto Rico auxiliary officer.
Defendant Medina-Mojica falsified that weapons training certifications were completed when they were, in fact, not. The defendant admitted that he did this for pecuniary gain in coordination with referrals by and through the Lawman Gun Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer. The loss generated during the course of the scheme, which involved possession of five or more means of identification, was greater than $120,000. Medina-Mojica also admitted that there were more than 10 victims in this scheme.
“The defendant was entrusted with certifying that proper training was given for individuals who were issued Concealed Carry Weapons Permit, as mandated by Puerto Rico law,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This is a regulated process in which firearm instructors or shooting clubs are assigned a specific authorization number and seal by the Police of Puerto Rico that are used to certify the completion form. Rather than fulfill that solemn responsibility, Julio Medina-Mojica, acted in concert with others, and sold pre-signed and stamped forms for $50.00 each. He sold out that responsibility.”
Former attorney Antonio M. Peluzzo-Perotin was sentenced on March 25, 2015, to 90 months in prison, and three years of supervised release.
María Del Carmen Rivera-Negrón and Julio Colón-Santiago co-owned The Lawman Gun Shop, a federally licensed firearms (FFL) dealer. Using their positions, the defendants participated in a scheme to have Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Concealed Carry Weapons Permits issued without compliance with applicable law. Both defendants plead guilty and the sentence is scheduled for July 15, 2015.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) are in charge of the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Capó-Iriarte and Luke Cass.
22 Individuals Charged in Superseding Indictment for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of CaguasRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On June 19, 2015, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a superseding indictment against 22 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Caguas Strike Force, are in charge of the investigation.
On August 7, 2013, federal and state authorities arrested 139 individuals from several areas in the municipality of Caguas. These individuals were charged in four separate indictments. Seventy-nine of those charged were part of a drug trafficking organization which operated in the Turabo Heights Public Housing Project. Today, law enforcement authorities executed 22 arrest warrants against the individuals who continued operating the drug points at Turabo Heights, after the arrests in 2013.
The superseding indictment charges 22 individuals for conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (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 Turabo Heights Public Housing Project, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, and other areas nearby and within the Municipality of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
During the span of the conspiracy, in order to be able to operate a drug point at Turabo Heights, “rent” would be paid to the leaders of the drug trafficking organization and their family members. As part of the manner and means of the conspiracy, control of the drug points at Turabo Heights was, obtained and maintained by the use of force, violence, and intimidation. The drug points operated twenty-four (24) hours a day in 3 shifts per day, including a “midnight marihuana” shift. Facilitators would act as intermediaries in drug sale transactions when clients opted not to enter the housing project.
The leader of the organization, José A. García-Cosme, aka “Papo Cachete” was arrested in August of 2013 during the first round of arrests involving this organization. During his absence from the Turabo Heights Public Housing Project, García-Cosme maintained control of the drug points through individuals and co-defendants directly designated by him. These individuals managed the daily activities of the drug points, the execution of the main leader’s orders, the collection of payments or “rent” from the different drug point owners, and the safe delivery of those payments or “rent” directly to the leader.
The superseding indictment also alleges that the co-conspirators had many roles in order to further the goals of the conspiracy, including: the leader, José A. García-Cosme, aka “Papo Cachete”; suppliers; enforcers; runners; sellers; and facilitators. Defendants Juan R. Matos-Vázquez, aka “Juan Cabezón;” Israel Arroyo-Serrano, aka “Pacho;” Alfredo Rivera-Flores, aka “Mamita;” and Raymond O. Díaz, aka “Ratón,” are also facing one charge of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The other defendants are: Ramón L. Massa-González, aka “Flaco;” Luz E. García-Cosme, aka “La Vieja;” Gabriel Arroyo-Serrano, aka “Gloty;” Carlos Andrés García-Cintrón, aka “Carlitos;” Luis Montañez-Matos, aka “Tío Baúl;” Ricardo Pastrana-Tollens, aka “Ricky;” Héctor I. Llorens-Ruiz, aka “Cuajo;” Julio Velázquez-Báez, aka “Mueca;” Israel Banks-Jiménez, aka “Cascarita;” Javier Colón-González, aka “Loquillo;” John Martir-Rosado, aka “Al Qaeda;” Xavier Martínez, aka “Manota;” Jessamine Román-Rosa, aka “Katty;” Christian Colón-Agosto, aka “Loco Hugo;” Miguel Benítez-Benítez, aka “Bebeto;” Raynaldo Vázquez-Centeno, aka “Shamu;” and Neftalí Gómez-Dones. The defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of forty-five million dollars.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and Teresa Zapata-Valladares are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The defendants were the targets of a long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) investigation. 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.
Federal Authorities Arrest Four Individuals for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Yesterday, a federal grand jury indicted four individuals in four separate indictments for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The first indictment alleges that, in or about the month of November 2013, William Camacho-Ríos, from San Juan, did knowingly possess materials which contained an image of child pornography, as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(8)(A). Camacho-Ríos, did knowingly possess in his Acer laptop computer and a red thumb drive, which were not manufactured in Puerto Rico and which had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce, at least 44 images and 39 videos depicting actual minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The second indictment alleges that, on or about April 15, 2015, Luis Caraballo, from Carolina, did knowingly possess in his Hewlett Packard laptop computer, which was not manufactured in Puerto Rico and which had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce, at least 15 images and 120 videos depicting actual minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The third indictment alleges that, on or about June 10, 2015, Carlos Colón-Rivera, from Toa Baja, did knowingly possess in his Western Digital hard drive, which was not manufactured in Puerto Rico and which had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce, at least 200 gigabytes of images and videos depicting actual minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The fourth indictment alleges that, on or about November 12, 2014, Donato Ruiz-Rivera, from Quebradillas, did knowingly possess in his Gateway laptop computer and his Western Digital 320 gigabyte hard drive, which were not manufactured in Puerto Rico and which had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce, at least eighty-four (84) videos depicting actual minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
“People need to understand that the minors depicted in those images and videos are re-victimized every time someone downloads and/or watches them,” 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 investigate and prosecute sexual predators who possess child pornography, in order to protect the vulnerable victims of these crimes, our children.”
“The FBI is committed in detecting, investigating and criminally processing these sexual deviants who rob our children of their innocence,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ginette Milanes. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of incarceration of ten years.
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.
An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Catholic Priest SentencedRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Israel Berríos-Berríos, a former Catholic priest, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison for transporting a minor with the intent to engage criminal sexual conduct, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Berríos-Berríos pled guilty on August 21, 2014.
According to the government’s version of facts, from on or about July 21, 2008, through on or about July 25, 2008, the defendant did knowingly transport an individual, who had not attained the age of 18 years, in interstate and foreign commerce, with the intent to engage in any sexual activity for which a person could be charged with a criminal offense. According to the Government’s version of facts, the defendant did transport a then 15 year-old male minor identified as “John Doe” to the City of Miami, Florida, where together they took a four-day cruise to the Bahamas. While on the cruise the defendant engaged in lewd acts with John Doe, in violation of Title 18, USC, Section 2423(a).
“The USAO for the District of Puerto Rico is committed to taking full advantage of our investigative tools in order to protect our children from sexual predators,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We commend our team of prosecutors and investigators who worked tirelessly in this case and today achieved this sentence. 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.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan, Coordinator of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea.
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.
Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes in Connection with Vehicular Homicide TrialRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge was sentenced today to 10 years in prison today after being convicted earlier this year of accepting bribes to acquit a businessman of vehicular homicide charges. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement.
In January, a federal jury convicted Judge Manuel Acevedo-Hernandez, 63, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. Chief U.S. District Judge Aida M. Delgado of the District of Puerto Rico imposed the sentence.
Acevedo-Hernandez presided over the trial of Lutgardo Acevedo-Lopez, 39, a certified public accountant in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Acevedo-Lopez was charged with criminal vehicular homicide based on his role in a June 2012 collision involving the vehicle he was driving and another car, which resulted in the death of the other driver.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Acevedo-Lopez used an intermediary to bribe Acevedo-Hernandez by paying taxes owed by Acevedo-Hernandez; paying for the construction of a garage for Acevedo-Hernandez's home; and providing Acevedo-Hernandez with a motorcycle, clothing and accessories, including cufflinks and a watch. In exchange, Acevedo-Hernandez acquitted Acevedo-Lopez of all charges.
In August 2014, Acevedo-Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and to paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. Acevedo-Lopez has not yet been sentenced.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Peter Mason and Menaka Kalaskar of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Capó of the District of Puerto Rico.
Woman Indicted and Arrested for Defrauding the Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
Defendant Faces a Forfeiture Allegation of $227,653.22
On June 3, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a 46-count indictment charging Mariely Malavet-Rivera for wire fraud, theft of public money and aggravated identity theft announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is in charge of the investigation. The indictment was unsealed today as the defendant was arrested.
These charges stem from a scheme utilized by Malavet-Rivera to submit false federal tax returns seeking the additional child tax credit (ACTC) in order to obtain fraudulent refunds from the IRS via check or direct deposit. Personal identification information including individuals’ name, date of birth and social security number were utilized without the knowledge or consent of the individual in order to request and obtain the fraudulent refund. In some instances, defendant obtained this information by preparing the individual’s Puerto Rico tax return for a nominal fee.
The false federal tax returns contained defendant’s own postal address and bank account information so that the fraudulent refunds would be deposited via wire to bank accounts she controlled and the physical checks would be mailed to her address. Defendant then used a means of identification of another person without lawful authority to cash the fraudulent refund checks through an intermediary company.
“Refunds are issued to taxpayers who are entitled to them,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who prepare false claims for refunds for the purpose of enriching themselves and depleting the U.S. Treasury.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is sworn to protect the tax system and bring to justice those who steal from the United States Treasury,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Miami Field Office. “This indictment is another example of our commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to vigorously pursue those individuals who steal Puerto Rican identities and file false tax returns for their own personal gain.”
The indictment alleges 30 counts of wire fraud, related to 30 fraudulent refunds paid via direct deposit from 2010 through 2013 to bank accounts controlled by the defendant; eight counts of theft of public money, related to eight fraudulent refund checks received and converted to the defendant’s use; and eight counts of aggravated identity theft, related to the possession and use without lawful authority of a means of identification in relation to theft of public money charged in the indictment. The fraudulent tax refund scheme had a total value of approximately $227,653.22.
The case is being investigated by IRS-CI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe. If found guilty, the defendant is facing a maximum penalty of 36 years in prison.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
Woman Indicted and Arrested for Defrauding the Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On June 3, 2015, a Federal grand jury returned a forty six-count indictment charging Mariely Malavet-Rivera for wire fraud, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is in charge of the investigation. The indictment was unsealed today as the defendant was arrested.
These charges stem from a scheme utilized by Mariely Malavet-Rivera to submit false Federal tax returns seeking the additional child tax credit (ACTC) in order to obtain fraudulent refunds from the Internal Revenue Service via check or direct deposit. Personal identification information including individuals’ name, date of birth, and social security number were utilized without the knowledge or consent of the individual in order to request and obtain the fraudulent refund. In some instances, defendant obtained this information by preparing the individual’s Puerto Rico tax return for a nominal fee.
The false Federal tax returns contained defendant’s own postal address and bank account information so that the fraudulent refunds would be deposited via wire to bank accounts she controlled and the physical checks would be mailed to her address. Defendant then used a means of identification of another person without lawful authority to cash the fraudulent refund checks through an intermediary company.
“Refunds are issued to taxpayers who are entitled to them,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who prepare false claims for refunds for the purpose of enriching themselves and depleting the U.S. Treasury.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is sworn to protect the tax system and bring to justice those who steal from the United States Treasury. This indictment is another example of our commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to vigorously pursue those individuals who steal Puerto Rican identities and file false tax returns for their own personal gain,” stated Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Miami Field Office.
The indictment alleges thirty-counts of wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, related to thirty fraudulent refunds paid via direct deposit from 2010 - 2013 to bank accounts controlled by defendant, eight counts of theft of public money, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, related to eight fraudulent refund checks received and converted to defendant’s use, and eight counts of aggravated identity theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), related to the possession and use without lawful authority of a means of identification in relation to theft of public money charged in the indictment. The fraudulent tax refund scheme had a total value of approximately $227,653.22.
The case is being investigated by IRS-CI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Erbe. If found guilty, defendant is facing a maximum penalty of thirty-six years in prison.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
Three People Arrested in Puerto Rico in a Contractor Major Scheme to Defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsRead the Press Release
On June 3, 2015, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a five count indictment charging Jose A. Rosa-Colon, his brother and business partner, Ivan Rosa-Colon and Louis Enrique Torres with a multi-million dollar Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The charges include major fraud against the United States and wire fraud. This investigation was conducted by Special Agents from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division.
The indictment unsealed in federal court today alleges that from on or about 2007 to 2014, Ivan Rosa-Colon, Jose Rosa-Colon and Torres conspired to use Jose Rosa-Colon’s service-disabled veteran status to create BELKRO General Contractors, which was a pass- through or front company for Ivan Rosa-Colon’s other business, IRC Air Contractors.
The indictment alleges that Ivan Rosa-Colon and Louis Torres used Jose Rosa-Colon’s service-disabled veteran status to certify and register BELKRO General Contractors in various government databases as a SDVOSB after Ivan Rosa- Colon learned that President George W. Bush would be signing a government stimulus package encouraging the use of SDVOSB. The stimulus package would allow for government agencies to award non-competitive, set-aside or sole-source government contracts to SDVOSB like BELKRO General Contractors.
The indictment further alleges that Jose Rosa-Colon, owner of BELKRO General Contractors, was employed as a full-time U.S. Postal Service Carrier; he was not in charge of the day to day operations of BELKRO General Contractors. Jose Rosa-Colon was simply a figurehead or “rent-a-vet”, who was being used for his service-disabled veteran status to obtain contracts for his brother Ivan Rosa-Colon’s company. As a result of the scheme, BELKRO General Contractors unlawfully received set-aside and/or sole-source SDVOSB contracts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including contracts involving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.
If convicted, they face a term of 20 years in prison as to each wire fraud charge and up to ten years in prison for the charges of major fraud against the United States. Additionally, they face fines of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release as to each count.
This indictment was announced today by U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico, Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes for the Southeast Field Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson for the Eastern Regional Office, Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Diaz-Rex.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Individuals Indicted and Arrested for False Statements in Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, a Federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Alejandro Enrique Mayendía-Blanco, Nell N. Blanco-Casanovas (mother of Alejandro) and Orlando Mayendía-Díaz (father of Alejandro) for false statements in loan applications, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) is in charge of the investigation. The indictment was unsealed today and the defendants were arrested.
These charges stem from schemes used by Alejandro Mayendía-Blanco and his co-defendants to obtain money from mortgage lending institutions. The settlement statements for the loans charged all indicate that the buyers (the parents) provided a payment on the day of the closing. However, per the bank records, Mayendía-Blanco refunded his parents either the same day of the transaction or the following day, using the funds obtained from the bank as seller’s proceeds. Mayendía-Blanco’s parents defaulted on the charged loans.
On or about May 24, 2007, the defendants herein and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, aiding and abetting each other, knowingly made material false statements to First Equity Mortgage Bankers, Inc. (FEMBI), in connection with a loan application to obtain a mortgage loan in the amount of $1,320,000.00, which was to be assigned, sold, and transferred to First Bank of Puerto Rico, a federally insured financial institution.
The false statements include, but are not limited to the following: the HUD Settlement Statement Form states that Nell N. Blanco-Casasnovas (the borrower) provided $314,267.27 as cash from borrower, when in truth and in fact, as the defendants well knew, such statement was false in that Alejandro E. Mayendía-Blanco (seller), refunded Nell N. Blanco-Casasnovas on or about May 25, 2007, with the funds he obtained as the seller’s proceeds, thus making the loan proceeds the true source of the funds.
Counts two and three of the indictment charge Mayendía-Blanco and his father Mayendía-Díaz with false statements in loan applications for two loans in the amount of $140,000.00 and $148,000.00. They used the same scheme described above.
The case is being investigated by ICE-HSI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mariana E. Bauzá-Almonte. If found guilty, defendants are facing a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigations are ongoing.
Individual Pleads Guilty to Carjacking MurderRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Ángel Ayala-Dávila (“Ayala-Dávila”), 19, pled guilty to Count One of an information which charged him, aided and abetted by others, with the carjacking murder of Roy Figueiredo-Ramos, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. As part of the plea agreement the parties have recommended a sentencing range of 24 to 30 years’ imprisonment.
On September 8, 2013, Roy Figueiredo-Ramos (“victim”), arrived at the Las Dalias Public Housing Project (“LDPHP”) in San Juan, PR, driving a grey 2002 Toyota Camry, which he parked in front of building 29 of LDPHP. Co-defendant Victor Miguel Duluc-Méndez, charged in a separate indictment, approached the victim and inquired if he was interested in selling the vehicle. The victim replied that he was not, but that he was willing to rent it. Shortly thereafter, Ayala-Dávila joined the conversation. Ayala-Dávila expressed he liked the 2002 Toyota Camry.
Duluc, Ayala-Dávila and another unknown male stepped away from the victim’s vehicle and started planning how to take the vehicle and keep it for themselves. Ayala-Dávila went into his apartment and grabbed a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol. Thereafter, Duluc, Ayala-Dávila and others took the victim’s car by force. Duluc drove the victim’s vehicle with victim in the front passenger seat, and Ayala-Dávila sat in the rear right passenger seat behind victim.
Duluc eventually drove the victim’s vehicle to the Banco Popular Branch located at Plaza Escorial shopping center, along with Ayala-Dávila and the victim. He parked the vehicle in Banco Popular’s parking lot. Ayala-Dávila requested the victim’s ATM card and the PIN number. The victim complied and gave the ATM card and PIN number to Duluc, who went to the ATM machine and withdrew $150.00.
Once the money was withdrawn, Duluc departed the Banco Popular Branch along with the victim and Ayala-Dávila. Duluc drove towards Trujillo Alto, PR, stopping in a rural area between Trujillo Alto and Carolina. Ayala-Dávila told the victim to step out to verify whether the vehicle had a flat tire. The victim and Ayala-Dávila exited the vehicle. The victim verified the front right tire of the vehicle and, as he turned around in the direction of Ayala-Dávila, Ayala-Dávila produced the pistol, pointed it at the victim’s head and fired one shot. The victim died as a result of this gunshot wound.
After shooting the victim, Ayala-Dávila got into the front right passenger side of the victim’s vehicle, and Duluc drove them back to LDPHP. Ayala-Dávila proclaimed that the victim’s vehicle belonged to him because he had been the one who killed the victim.
“The senseless crime that these men committed had fatal consequences,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Ayala-Dávila’s guilty plea brings us a step closer to bringing justice and closure to the victim and his family.”
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2015. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Díaz-Rex.
Victor Miguel Duluc-Méndez pled guilty on May 1st, 2014; his sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2015. He faces a sentence of 30 years.
Individual Found Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a five-day jury trial, Leoner Martínez-Lantigua was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Judge Francisco Besosa presided over the trial. Five other co-conspirators had already pled guilty and are awaiting sentence. Defendant Erasmo Martínez-Trinidad remains a fugitive.
According to the indictment, throughout July of 2014, the defendant, along with others, intentionally combined, conspired and agreed to possess with intent to distribute more than 41 kilograms of cocaine.
During trial, the government presented video, audio, and telephone recordings of a Homeland Security Investigations undercover operation to transport 48 kilograms of cocaine from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Puerto Rico for distribution and sale. The complex conspiracy involved numerous players with various roles, bags filled with U.S. currency, maritime coordination, and firearms. A jury heard lay and expert testimony at trial that proved Leoner Martínez-Lantigua’s willful participation and knowing involvement in the conspiracy.
“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against narcotics in Puerto Rico. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of this defendant at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aaron Howell and Luke Cass. Martínez-Lantigua faces a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The now convicted defendant also faces forfeiture of a white Nissan Altima and a money judgment. The sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2015 and the defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
Five School Bus Owners Indicted for Bid-Rigging and Fraud Conspiracies at Puerto Rico Public School Bus AuctionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in San Juan, Puerto Rico, returned an indictment against five individuals for participating in bid rigging and fraud conspiracies at an auction for public school bus transportation contracts in Puerto Rico’s Caguas municipality, the Department of Justice announced today.
A seven-count felony indictment was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico in San Juan against five bus transportation company owners: Gavino Rivera-Herrera, Luciano Vega-Martínez, Alfonso Gonzales-Nevárez, José L. Arroyo-Quiñones, and René Garay-Rodríguez.
Count one charges the bus owners with participating in a conspiracy to rig bids and allocate the market for public school bus transportation services in the Caguas municipality. The second count charges the bus owners with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and counts three through seven charge the bus owners with committing mail fraud. According to the indictment, the defendants and others defrauded, and conspired to defraud, the Puerto Rico Department of Education and the Caguas municipality, among others, in order to fraudulently obtain contracts for school bus transportation services.
These charges relate to a 2013 Caguas municipality auction, at which four-year contracts for public school bus transportation were awarded. The indictment alleges that the defendants participated in the charged offenses from around August 2013 until at least May 2015.
“The defendants are charged with depriving taxpayers, the Municipality of Caguas and the Puerto Rico Department of Education of the benefits of a competitive bidding process for school bus contracts,” said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This is unacceptable. The Division will continue its efforts to protect U.S. citizens across the country and hold accountable those who subvert competition.”
“Today’s case is the latest in our ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, one of the priorities of the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests serve as a reminder that Federal law enforcement agencies intend to vigorously prosecute those who manipulate the economic system to enrich themselves at the expense of the government.”
“Price fixing victimizes the consumer which in this case are the honest, hardworking, and tax paying citizens living in Puerto Rico,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Division. “Let there be no doubt, the FBI, along with law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate, charge, and prosecute any individuals involved in these type of acts.”
The bus owners are charged with bid rigging and market allocation in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than $1 million. Each count of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This is the first case resulting from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in Puerto Rico’s school bus transportation services industry. This investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section, the District of Puerto Rico U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI’s Puerto Rico Field Office, and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation is urged to call the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section at 202-307-6694, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or call the FBI’s Puerto Rico Field Office at 787-754-6000.
Individual Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
San Juan, Puerto Rico – On May 13, 2015, defendant Miguel A. Merced-Torres was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 72 months (six years), followed by three years of Supervised Release Term by US District Court Judge Jay A. García-Gregory, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
On April 24, 2014, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging the defendant for the use of interstate wired communications to commit fraud and money laundering. Miguel A. Merced-Torres plead guilty on September 2, 2014. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.
Merced-Torres was the incorporator and resident agent of MM Technology Wireless Group, a corporation registered with the Puerto Rico State Department since June 9, 2009. From on or about July, 2006, to on or about February, 2013, the defendant devised a scheme and artifice to defraud other persons, and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.
Through the scheme Merced-Torres obtained money from investors by falsely representing himself as a representative of the Federal Communications Commission, hereinafter “FCC.” Merced-Torres falsely promised said investors that they were going to receive financial benefits and profits from their investments in cellular tower administration contracts. The defendant would convince victims to invest money by falsely representing that the FCC was actively seeking individuals to invest money in exchange for the FCC’s issuance of cellular tower administration contracts, which would render considerable profit for the investors.
Merced-Torres requested and received bank wire transfers totaling the sum of approximately $15,000,000 from all the victims.
Miguel Merced-Torres is facing a money judgment of $9,089,777.37. During a two day hearing the victims addressed the Court on the monetary losses they suffered and how it affected their lives. The Court reserved judgment and will impose restitution on a later date. Merced-Torres is also facing a forfeiture allegation of: a land lot located at Turabo Ward in the municipality of Caguas; a residential apartment located at Islabella Condominium in Caguas; a land lot located at Tomas de Castro Ward in Caguas; an apartment at Villas del Mar Condominium in the municipality of Cabo Rojo; a land lot located at La Serranía Urbanization in Caguas; a lot located in Turabo Gardens Urbanization in Caguas; a land lot located at Tejas Ward in the municipality of Las Piedras; a land lot located in San Lorenzo Valley Urbanization in the municipality of San Lorenzo; and a house located on Calle Rufo Ramirez, Barrio Celada, in the municipality of Gurabo.
“This individual defrauded investors who trusted him with their savings and he stole money from them for personal gain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute financial crimes and protect the citizens of Puerto Rico,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Although this sentence can’t by itself undo the damage suffered by the many victims of this fraudulent scheme, justice was done.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga Castellón.
Court of Appeals Upholds Edison Burgos-Montes ConvictionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 13, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit submitted a 57 page opinion affirming the conviction of Edison Burgos-Montes, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
Edison Burgos-Montes appealed from his conviction for two counts of drug conspiracy and two counts of murder. The latter stemmed from the disappearance of Burgos-Montes’ girlfriend – Madelin Semidey-Morales – shortly after Burgos-Montes learned that she had been acting as a government informant. Burgos-Montes challenged the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction, the denial of several pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, and a number of other district court actions before and during trial.
In upholding the jury’s verdict, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals found Burgos-Montes’ arguments unpersuasive and, thus, affirmed his conviction.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico congratulates all the prosecutors and agents who worked tirelessly in the investigation and prosecution of Burgos-Montes, with great success,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The appeal was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco A. Besosa, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Appellate Division.
One Individual Indicted and Arrested for Distribution and Sale of Meat and Poultry Products Without InspectionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On May 7, 2015, a Federal grand jury returned a three count indictment charging Daniel E. Martínez-Rivera, President and the person responsible for the operations of Productos Dany, Inc., for distribution and sale of meat and poultry products without inspection, and for refusing to provide a duly authorized representative of the Secretary of Agriculture access to records, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Martínez-Rivera was arrested on May 8. The US Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) is in charge of the investigation.
Beginning in August 2011, and continuing up to and until the return of the instant Indictment, the defendant Daniel E. Martínez-Rivera, offered for sale and sold in commerce meat and poultry products required to be inspected and passed that were not so inspected and passed. On or about September 4, 2013, the defendant, with reasonable time and notice refused to provide a duly authorized representative of the Secretary of Agriculture access to records.
“We have not received reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case is being investigated by the US Department of Agriculture and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mariana Bauzá-Almonte. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
29 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in Patillas, PRRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 16, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 29 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. The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department- Guayama Strike Force.
The 29 defendants are: Ángel Morales-De Jesús, aka “El Gordo;” Javier Fernández-Morales, aka “Pelota;” Javier Fernández-Morales, aka “Pelota;” Jaime Rosario-Valdés, aka “Burro;” Luis Acevedo-Torres, aka “Chiquitin;” Jesús M. González, aka “Randy;” Gilberto Díaz-Torres, aka “Gilbert;” Jorge L. García-Cruz, aka “Gatillo;” Hermes Torres-Vázquez, aka “Sein;” Félix Javier De Jesús-Negrón, aka “Javi Moyi;” Misael Díaz-Torres, aka “Misa;’ Eric Díaz-Torres, aka “Buho;” Charlie M. Ocasio-Ayala; Brian O. Fontanez-Sanabria; Omar De Jesús-Negrón, aka “Omar Moyi;” Jaset Garrafa-Lebrón; Kenneth O. Ayala-Guevara, aka “Guavi;” Nadel Garrafa-Lebrón; Edwin Xavier Pirela-Amaro, aka “Plo Plo;” Josué M. Rivera-Lebrón, aka “Yauti;” Roberto Martínez-Rivera, aka “Picu;” José M. Del Valle-Sánchez, aka “Jossie;” Eric J. Correa-Rodríguez; Wilfredo Montañez, aka “Wilfre;” Miguel Velázquez-Sánchez, aka “Micky;” Jean González-López; Héctor E. Navarro-Santiesteban, aka “Pepito;” Luis A. Laboy-Sánchez, aka “Tony Pitufo;” Alexis Vega-Maldonado; and Ricardo Romero-Baerga, aka “Ricky Dominiqui.”
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2010, the organization distributed crack, cocaine, marihuana and prescription drugs within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising the Public Housing Projects Villas del Caribe, Villa Real and Esmeralda del Sur, Calle Las Flores, El Pueblito, La Quebrada and the Providencia Ward located in the Municipality of Patillas, all for financial gain and profit.
The 29 co-conspirators had many roles in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. The following are the roles as alleged in the indictment: three leaders/drug point owners/drug point administrators; three runners; 23 sellers; enforcers and facilitators. Nine of the defendants are facing one count of possession of firearms, including “high power” rifles, in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
It was further a part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that some of the defendants and their co-conspirators would collect money from the members of the organization in order to pay for weapons and for bail when members of the organization were arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Teresa Zapata-Valladares and Seth Erbe 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. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Valentin Valdés-Ayala Guilty of Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Yesterday evening after eight days of jury trial, Valentín Valdés-Ayala was found guilty of 31 counts of bankruptcy fraud, falsification of bankruptcy records, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and contempt of court, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, in collaboration with the U.S. Trustee, was in charge of the investigation.
During the course of the trial the evidence proved that the purpose of the fraudulent scheme was to obtain financial gain and to hinder, delay and obstruct collection efforts by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, through ASUME, and/or by child support pension beneficiaries against child support debtors who had failed to comply with their child support obligations.
Valdés-Ayala incorporated a non-profit organization, Fundacion Lucha Pro-Padres Convictos por Pencion Corp. [sic], with the alleged purpose of defending the principles and dignity of every father convicted for failure to make child support payments and obtaining and promoting the release of all inmates as well as defending father-child relationships. He also created Tears in Prison, Inc., a for-profit corporation that was incorporated with the stated purpose of preparing bankruptcy petitions.
The defendant, through Fundacion Lucha Pro-Padres Convictos por Pencion Corp. [sic], solicited individuals who were incarcerated or facing incarceration for failure to comply with their child support payments, promising those individuals that – in exchange for fees paid to him and/or his entity – they would be released from prison and/or avoid imprisonment without first having to make any payments towards their child support debt. Valdés-Ayala at times also promised that he would obtain the elimination and/or reduction of the underlying child support debt.
The defendant would then file or cause to be filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions which allowed the debtors to be released from prison without first having to pay overdue child support to ASUME due to the operation of bankruptcy’s automatic stay against collection actions.
With respect to his fees, Valdés-Ayala indicated to his prospective clients that his fee included legal representation (even though he is not a lawyer), filing fees and a term membership in his entity, which would guarantee them legal representation in their child support case throughout the duration of their term membership. Upon receipt of payment the defendant would provide a receipt stating that the payment was a donation.
The defendant prepared and filed and/or caused to be filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions in the clients’ names. The Chapter 13 petitions were not filed for the purpose of having the clients engage Chapter 13 reorganization of their debts, but for the improper purpose of using the U.S. bankruptcy laws to collect fees by promising relief from incarceration.
As part of the scheme to defraud devised by Valdés-Ayala, he assisted hundreds of debtors with the filing of false and fraudulent Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions. From August 2010 to November 2013, 412 applications for credit counseling certificates were processed through Valdés-Ayala’s account with the Credit Advisors Foundation. These certificates were then included along with the bankruptcy petition.
“The defendant defrauded not only his clients, but also child support beneficiaries and the government Puerto Rico, and he did so by using the U.S. Bankruptcy courts,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “Valdés-Ayala sought to obtain as much money as possible, for as long as possible, from his clients. When the fraudulent bankruptcy petitions ultimately were dismissed by the bankruptcy courts, the defendant ceased contact with his clients, who again faced imminent incarceration for past due child support payments.”
“The FBI will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Bankruptcy Trustee to ensure the public’s continued trust in the bankruptcy process,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s Puerto Rico office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mariana Bauzá and John MathewsaII. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for Aug. 6, 2015. The defendant is facing a maximum of 30 years in prison and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for each of the two aggravated identity theft charges. The government requested a money judgment in the amount of $648,900.
28 Year-Old Caguas Man Arrested for Sextortion and Attempted Sex Trafficking of A 33 Year-Old WomanRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin authorized a criminal complaint charging Mario Lebrón-Càceres with one count of attempted sex tracking by means of force, threats of force, fraud and coercion, and one count of interstate extortion, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The criminal complaint alleges that from on or about February 24, 2015, through on or about April 5, 2015, the defendant attempted to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain and maintain a person, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud, coercion, or any combination of such means would be used to cause the person to engage in a commercial sex act.
More specifically, on or about February 24, 2015, the 28 year-old defendant met a 33 year-old woman online through the Internet application known as “Meetme.com.” Shortly after meeting, the two switched to another Internet chat program known as “WhatsApp.” Within a matter of only a few days, Lebrón-Càceres began requesting sexually explicit images from the 33 year-old woman. After much persuasion, she finally relented to his request and sent several nude images to Lebrón-Càceres. Almost immediately thereafter, Lebrón-Càceres began to threaten to upload the images to a known pornographic website highlighting Puerto Rican women and to share the images with her co-workers if she did not agree to have sex with him. The adult victim filed a complaint with the local authorities, who in turn asked for assistance from the ICE-HSI Human Exploitation Group.
On April 2, 2015, with the assistance of Federal agents, the victim conducted several consensually monitored telephone calls with Lebrón-Càceres, during which the defendant suggested that they meet at a motel where they could have sex in exchange for which he would purportedly delete or return to the victim the sexually explicit images she had sent him.
“‘Sextortion’ is one of the most common threats facing our younger generation. This is the first case prosecuted by Federal authorities in Puerto Rico involving ‘sextortion’ between adults. Routinely, online predators use the computer to befriend unsuspecting victims and convince them to record themselves performing sexually explicit acts. Once the predator gets a hold of such images, he feels empowered to force the victim to do anything he wants. In this case, it was forcing the victim to have sex with him or else he was going to publish the sexually explicit images,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
“This case is particularly important at it sends a clear message that HSI will investigate and apprehend those who prey on others for sexual gratification despite the age of the victim,” said Ángel M. Meléndez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan is in charge of the prosecution of the case. The detention hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, April 9 at 1:30 pm. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum possible sentence of life in prison if he is found guilty. Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.Eleven Individuals Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 25, a Federal grand jury returned a twenty-three count indictment charging eleven individuals for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Secret Service and the Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation.
Beginning in or about June 2008 and continuing to in or about October 2011, the defendants devised a scheme and artifice to defraud AMGEN, a multinational biopharmaceutical company located in Juncos, Puerto Rico. The purpose of the conspiracy was for defendants to enrich themselves by using the AMGEN American Express Purchasing Credit cards (PCards) and purchase requisition process to obtain payments for fictitious purchases and split the proceeds paid by AMGEN for these fictitious purchases and/or services that were never actually rendered or received.
The defendants are: Joel Merced-Mercano, Héctor Santiago-Rodríguez, Efraín Rivera-Romàn, Pablo López, Hernàn Torres-Gómez, Joel Díaz-Rosario, Mitza Vàzquez-Meléndez, Juan L. Carreras, Marielexy Cestary-Roldàn, Carlos Calderón-Díaz, and Lourdes Colón-Colón.
“Some of the defendants had the duty and responsibility to ensure that AMGEN’s facility was able to properly operate twenty four hours a day, seven days a week; but instead, they misused their positions of trust within the company to commit fraud to enrich themselves illegally,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “AMGEN suffered a loss of over $1.6 million as a result of the scheme; those responsible for this loss will be held accountable for their corrupt actions.”
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 20 years. The case is being investigated by the Secret Service with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julia Meconiates. 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.
PR Department of Health Employee and Another Individual Indicted for Theft of Government Records and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, a Federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging two individuals for conspiracy, theft of government records, unlawful transfer of means of identification, aggravated identity theft, and wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division and Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General are in charge of the investigation. The Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office, Fraud Unit provided significant assistance during the investigation.
Defendants Mercedes C. Bodden-Fontana and Raymond I. Ramos-Reyes stole personal identifying information of Mi Salud recipients from the MEDITI database to sell those records to unjustly enrich themselves.
As an employee of the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office, Mercedes C. Bodden-Fontana would access to the MEDITI database on her work computer and take photographs of the screen depicting in list form Mi Salud participants’ names, social security numbers and dates of birth. She would subsequently print the pictures of the screen shots. She would then provide the information to defendant Raymond I. Ramos-Reyes. Ramos-Reyes would sell each individual’s information to a third party for approximately $3 per name, date of birth and corresponding social security number. Reyes-Ramos would then provide Bodden-Fontana the proceeds of the sale; in return, she would provide Reyes-Ramos a commission for the sale.
“This indictment underscores our determination to hold accountable those who take advantage of vulnerable populations, commit fraud, and place the safety of others at risk for illicit financial gain,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These defendants stole names, social security numbers and dates of birth of more than 5,000 Mi Salud recipients, to later sell these records for profit; we have stopped their illegal activities with today’s arrests. The investigation continues.”
Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Miami Field Office, stated, “It is unfortunate that an employee of the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office would steal the identities of innocent Mi Salud participants for a profit. Today’s indictment should serve as a strong warning to those who are considering similar conduct of using their position at an employer to commit identity theft. IRS Criminal Investigation and its law enforcement partners are serious about investigating these crimes and holding accountable those who steal and then sell other peoples’ identities to commit tax fraud and other offenses.”
“The Medicaid program provides health care benefits to low-income individuals and families, and the illegal and unauthorized use of Medicaid participants’ personal identifiers is unacceptable. HHS-OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves by victimizing participants of the Medicaid program,” said Scott Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG New York Regional Office.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of five years on the conspiracy charge, 10 years for theft of government records and two consecutive years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge.
The case is being investigated by IRS-CID, HHS-OIG with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julia Meconiates. 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.
PR Department of Health Employee and Another Individual Indicted for Theft of Government Records and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, a Federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging two individuals for conspiracy, theft of government records, unlawful transfer of means of identification, aggravated identity theft, and wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division and Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General are in charge of the investigation. The Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office, Fraud Unit provided significant assistance during the investigation.
Defendants Mercedes C. Bodden-Fontana and Raymond I. Ramos-Reyes stole personal identifying information of Mi Salud recipients from the MEDITI database to sell those records to unjustly enrich themselves.
As an employee of the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office, Mercedes C. Bodden-Fontana would access to the MEDITI database on her work computer and take photographs of the screen depicting in list form Mi Salud participants’ names, social security numbers and dates of birth. She would subsequently print the pictures of the screen shots. She would then provide the information to defendant Raymond I. Ramos-Reyes. Ramos-Reyes would sell each individual’s information to a third party for approximately $3 per name, date of birth and corresponding social security number. Reyes-Ramos would then provide Bodden-Fontana the proceeds of the sale; in return, she would provide Reyes-Ramos a commission for the sale.
“This indictment underscores our determination to hold accountable those who take advantage of vulnerable populations, commit fraud, and place the safety of others at risk for illicit financial gain,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These defendants stole names, social security numbers and dates of birth of more than 5,000 Mi Salud recipients, to later sell these records for profit; we have stopped their illegal activities with today’s arrests. The investigation continues.”
Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Miami Field Office, stated, “It is unfortunate that an employee of the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office would steal the identities of innocent Mi Salud participants for a profit. Today’s indictment should serve as a strong warning to those who are considering similar conduct of using their position at an employer to commit identity theft. IRS Criminal Investigation and its law enforcement partners are serious about investigating these crimes and holding accountable those who steal and then sell other peoples’ identities to commit tax fraud and other offenses.”
“The Medicaid program provides health care benefits to low-income individuals and families, and the illegal and unauthorized use of Medicaid participants’ personal identifiers is unacceptable. HHS-OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue to the fullest extent of the law those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves by victimizing participants of the Medicaid program,” said Scott Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG New York Regional Office.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of five years on the conspiracy charge, 10 years for theft of government records and two consecutive years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge.
The case is being investigated by IRS-CID, HHS-OIG with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Health Medicaid Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julia Meconiates. 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.
Female Armory Employee Indicted for Illegally Trafficking Firearms from the State of Florida to Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, a Federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Emily Negrón for conspiracy and illegally transferring firearms to out-of-state residents, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is in charge of the investigation.
From in or about August of 2012, continuing through in or about December of 2012, the defendant, knowingly and willfully conspired and agreed with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to commit offenses against the United States, that are: the transportation of firearms to an out-of-state resident. It was the purpose and object of the conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee so the firearms could be transferred from Orlando, Florida to the District of Puerto Rico.
Defendant Negrón knowingly accepted false information about the transferee to avoid the legally required instant criminal background check. In exchange, defendant received something of pecuniary value for each firearm that she facilitated to be delivered to the District of Puerto Rico.
Defendant was arrested in the Orlando Florida area today and is pending removal to the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of five years on the conspiracy charge, and five years for each charge alleging a transfer of firearms to an out-of-state resident. The case is being investigated by ATF, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke Cass and Alexander L. Alum.
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.61 Individuals Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 4, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 61 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in the municipalities of Manatí, Barceloneta, and Florida, PR, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) is in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department, specially the Arecibo Strike Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2000, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as “Percocet”), and Alprazolam (commonly known as “Xanax”) within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising a housing facility owned by a public housing authority. The object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the Enrique Zorilla Public Housing Project, the Los Murales Public Housing Project, the Cortes Ward, the San José Ward and the Acueducto Ward, all located in the Municipality of Manatí, PR. The conspiracy also distributed controlled substances at V & B Public Housing Project in the Municipality of Barceloneta, and the Villas de Florida Public Housing Project, located in the Municipality of Florida; all for financial gain and profit.
The 61 co-conspirators had many roles in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. According to the indictment this organization had up to 12 leaders/drug point owners/enforcers, two narcotics suppliers, at least 11 runners, six drug processors, 24 sellers, three look-outs/facilitators. Eighteen of the individuals are facing one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The 61 defendants are: Carlos Gotay Guzmàn, a.k.a. “Moro;” Javier Gonzàlez Pérez, a.k.a. “Javier Tornillo;” Reinaldo Colón Oliveras, a.k.a. “Tito Capao; Roberto Maldonado Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Robert El Calvo;” Carlos Vàzquez Otero, a.k.a. “Carlos Misquin;” Julio Alberto Rivera-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Ito;” Eric O. Rosa Ramos, a.k.a. “El Indio;” Jorge L. Alicia Pagàn, a.k.a. “Bebo Conejo;” Alfredo Virella Laureano, a.k.a. “Keko;” Christian Rodríguez Rivera, a.k.a. “Cuso;” José M. Rivera Molina, a.k.a. “Bolillo;” Jonathan Ortiz Salgado, a.k.a. “Cochi;” Juan Ramiro Fonseca-Otero, a.k.a. “Burro;” Héctor Moreno Rivera, a.k.a. “Mickey Bay;” Aníbal García Quiñones, a.k.a. “Junior El Manco;” Luis Daniel Rosa-Santiago, a.k.a. “Luisda;” José Resto-Laureano, a.k.a. “Piti;” Jaime Freytes Maldonado, a.k.a. “Micro;” Alexander Avilés Santiago, a.k.a. “Pipo;” Héctor Colón Romero, a.k.a. “Coscu;” Ulises Soto Soto; Jose Luis Ortiz Vega, a.k.a. “Bebo Chino;” Christian Pantoja-Sànchez, a.k.a. “Wolf;” Ernie Vega Cruz, a.k.a. “Ernie Perla;” Jonathan Figueroa Hernàndez, a.k.a. “Jonathan Mickey Mouse;” Roberto R. Valle Cordero, a.k.a. “Robert de Niro;” Ramón J. Figueroa Colón, a.k.a. “Bengay;” Josué Salgado Pagàn, a.k.a. “Tony Monaco;” Héctor Earl Montilla-Battice, a.k.a. “Cacho;” Christian Torres Moràn, a.k.a. “Palomita;” Jessie Vega Quiñones; Alex José Babilonia-Torres, a.k.a. “Alex Moña;” Luis Ernesto Gonzàlez Moreno, a.k.a. “Poeta;” Luis M. Cortés Class, a.k.a. “Luis El Loco;” Héctor M. Rodríguez Soto, a.k.a. “Buddhita;” Omar E. Mendoza Vidal, a.k.a. “Cuajo;” Edwin Montijo Gonzàlez, a.k.a. “Joel Sandwich;” Luis Centeno Ortiz; Edwin Mendoza Vargas, a.k.a. “Pito Chuli Mami;” Rubén de Jesús-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Rubencito;” José Rivera Medina, a.k.a. “Pito Llaga;” Jovanny Reyes Sànchez, a.k.a. “Jovanny El Lento;” Elizabeth Gerena Santiago, a.k.a. “Eli La Mona;” Kelvin Xavier Nieves-De Jesús, a.k.a. “Kelvin Blue;” Ruben Larregui López, a.k.a. “Cusito;” Fernando J. Muñíz Vega, a.k.a. “Joel Vega;” Emmanuel Salgado Gonzàlez, a.k.a. “Mejico;” Danny Salgado Gonzàlez, a.k.a. “Danny;” Luis A. Serrano Aponte, a.k.a. “Cachi;” Luis Ángel Siragusa Soto, a.k.a. “El Gordo Siragusa;” Carlos José Siragusa Soto, a.k.a. “Bebe Siragusa;” Christian O. Rodríguez Morales, a.k.a. “Christian El Lento;” Dennis Colón Laureano, a.k.a. “Buho;” Shaquille E. Rivera de Jesús; Ruth Emily Hernaiz Rojas, a.k.a. “Ruty;” Luis Antonio Ibañez-Bello, a.k.a. “Gordo Ibanez;” José Antonio Acevedo Nazario, a.k.a. “Sindicato;” Beatriz de Los Angeles Ortiz-Sànchez, a.k.a. “Bea;” José O. Padilla Flores, a.k.a. “Landi;” Jorge Rivera Sànchez; and Delgado Díaz.
Defendants José Antonio Acevedo-Nazario, aka “Sindicato;” José O. Padilla-Flores, aka “Landi;” Reinaldo Colón-Oliveras, aka “Tito Capao;” Jorge Rivera-Sànchez; and Leslie Delgado-Díaz are each facing one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Defendant Josué Salgado-Pagàn, aka “Tony Monaco” is facing two counts of money laundering.
“This is the second arrest operation against a gang in Manatí in the last three weeks. These arrests will keep the law-abiding citizens in these areas safer from the inevitable violence that drug trafficking brings,” said U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “These arrests are a clear indication of the success of the OCDETF program in the fight against drug trafficking.”
“This case exemplifies that those involved in the distribution of narcotics and other contraband will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted,” said Ángel M. Meléndez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. “HSI thanks our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their significant cooperation in dismantling this drug trafficking organization.”“ATF continues to be in the forefront in fighting against firearms trafficking and firearms related violence. The area of Manatí, PR wakes up a safer place thanks to the Federal, State and Local law enforcement partnership,” said Hugo Barrera, ATF Special Agent in Charge.
The defendants were the targets of a long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) investigation. 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Veronda is in charge of the prosecution of the case. 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.
# # #25 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking at Santa Catalina Public Housing Project in Yauco, Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 19, 2015, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 25 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of Yauco, PR, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department, specially the Ponce Strike Force.
The 25 defendants are: José L. Colón-Paneto, aka “Walter;” José A. Colón-Paneto, aka “Jun;” Jonathan Vargas-Torres, aka “Johny;” Christian Vargas-Torres, aka “Chola;” Ricardo Camacho, aka “Ricardito;” John-John Maldonado-Paneto; Jesús Santiago-Bracero, aka “Jesus Payaso;” Carlos Manuel Pérez-Lugo, aka “Chiqui Moya;” Julio Alberto Millàn-Irizarry, aka “Berti;” Baldo Anthony Cancel-Pérez, aka “Anthony;” Fernando Pacheco-Ortiz, aka “Chinito;” Luis Alberto Figueroa-Pagàn, aka “Kiri;” Christian Xavier Torres-Rivera, aka “Pitito;” Wilson R. Satiago-Bracero, aka “Gordo Payaso;” Raymond L. Lamberty-Torres, aka “Lamberty;” John Paul Rivera-Santiago; Radamés Medina-Irizarry, aka “Rada;” Luis Gabriel Quiñones-Padilla, aka “Mona;” Manuel De Jesús-Castro, aka “Manolo;” Juan Ramón Flores-Colón, aka “Monchi;” Adela Paneto-Soto; Melvin Medina-Caraballo, aka “Melvito;” Prett Onell Santa-Torres, aka “Pre;” Alexis Javier Aponte-Negrón; and Daniel Rodríguez-Santiago, aka “Viejo Danny.”
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2007, the organization distributed heroin, crack, cocaine and marihuana within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising housing facility owned by a public housing authority, that is the Santa Catalina Public Housing Project and the Santa Catalina public school, all for financial gain and profit.The 25 co-conspirators had many roles in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. The following are the roles as alleged in the indictment: three leaders/drug point owners/drug point administrators; three enforcers; five runners; and 14 sellers. Nine of the defendants are facing one count of possession of firearms, including “high power” rifles, in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The defendants would have access to different types of vehicles in order to transport money, narcotics and firearms. These vehicles would often be used by some of the defendants and their co-conspirators to conduct drive by shootings and to “hunt” rival gang members. Some of the defendants built a “handmade” firearm that was remotely controlled with a beeper with the intention of shooting at rivals and law enforcement who entered the public housing project.
It was further a part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that the defendants and their co-conspirators established drug distribution points in different areas inside the housing project, for example: between buildings 6, 13, 23, 24, 25; the construction trailers, the basketball court and the community center.
“Drug trafficking organizations must be aggressively attacked and dismantled at every level,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The result of this operation is nothing short of significant and it underscores law enforcement’s main goal: to keep drugs out of our neighborhoods. These arrests will keep the law abiding citizens of Yauco safer from the inevitable violence that drug trafficking brings.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration initiated Operation Sudden Impact, in conjunction with the Puerto Rico Police Department- Ponce Strike Force to address the present drug problem that has plagued communities in Puerto Rico. DEA will not allow these violent drug trafficking organizations to take control over the lives of innocent people who live in Santa Catalina Public Housing Project or any other communities,” said Vito Salvatore Guarino, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Caribbean Division.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney María L. Montañez-Concepción is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison.The defendants were the targets of a long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) investigation. 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. This OCDETF investigation was led by the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Ponce Task Force.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former Doral Employee and Contractor Indicted for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Wednesday, February 18, a Federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging two individuals for financial institution fraud, misapplication of bank funds, wire fraud and money laundering, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
Defendant Annelise I. Figueroa was an employee of Doral Bank, and Vice-President of the Property and Facilities Department. Her duties and responsibilities included supervision of the maintenance of Doral Bank’s branch offices. Figueroa did not have authority to sign or approve contracts on behalf of Doral Bank, and her approval authority to commit bank funds was approximately $5,000.00. Defendant Rolando Rivera Solis was Vice-President of San Juan Tropical, a for profit corporation that provided cleaning services to Doral Bank.
The defendants engaged in a deceptive course of conduct designed to defraud Doral Bank. Defendant Annelise Figueroa would surreptitiously change the terms of a maintenance contract with San Juan Tropical, by issuing a letter of intent which materially changed the terms of a maintenance contract with Doral Bank, by specifying that the monthly fee would, in fact, be paid on a weekly basis, thereby causing the bank to pay San Juan Tropical and its principals fees to which they were not entitled, and securing benefits for herself and other family members, from San Juan Tropical.
For example, on January 21, 2011, the defendant Annelise Figueroa, issued a letter of intent indicating that the contract fee of $27,350.00 would be paid on a monthly basis. The letter was not signed by the defendant’s supervisor or any other bank executive. On January 24, 2011, Figueroa, issued a letter of intent indicating that the contract fee of $27,288.27 would be paid on a weekly basis. The letter was not signed by the defendant’s supervisor or any other bank executive.
Defendant Annelise I. Figueroa, being an employee of Doral Bank, a financial institution whose funds are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with intent to injure and defraud Doral Bank, willfully misapplied, abstracted, or purloined the sum of approximately $2,350,000.00 of the moneys, funds, or credits of such institution, in that the defendant without authority altered the material conditions of a maintenance contract with San Juan Tropical, for the purpose of causing Doral Bank to make the contractually stipulated monthly payments on a weekly basis.
As part of the manner and means of the scheme to defraud, defendant Figueroa, would pressure the Accounting Department to issue the weekly payments, and would also cause other bank employees to similarly direct the Accounting Department to issue the checks to San Juan Tropical, due to her personal relationship with defendant Rivera-Solis.
“We are committed to ensuring the integrity of the banking system and to prosecuting those who through their financial crimes undermine it for their personal gain,” stated Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The fraudulent schemes devised to exploit our banking system for personal gain will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This investigation continues.”
“We will continue to aggressively investigate fraudulent financial schemes that put in jeopardy the integrity of our financial system and are often a gateway to further criminal activity,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Puerto Rico.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 30 years on the financial institution charge, 30 years on the wire fraud charge and 10 years for the money laundering charge. Figueroa is also facing a possible sentence of 30 years on the misapplication of bank funds.
The case is being investigated by FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney José Capó-Iriarte. Indictments are only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
25 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking at Villa Envangelina Public Housing ProjectRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Yesterday, February 18, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 25 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of Manatí, PR, 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, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department, specially the Arecibo Strike Force, and the US Postal Inspection Service.
The 25 defendants are: Héctor Omar Figueroa-Quiñonez, aka “Omaki”; Juan Serpa- Candelaria, aka “Pablo”; Ángel M. Ortiz-De Jesús, aka “El Gallo”; Miguel Torres-Cruz, aka “Black Tattoo”; Jonathan J. Ortiz-Salgado, aka “Cochi”; Luis E. Rivera-Pares, aka “Bebo”; Francisco J. Martínez-Moreno, aka “Mickey Bay”; Christian Mercado-Figueroa, aka “Gordo”; José M. Pizzaro-Mezquita; Clem J. Martínez-Natal, aka “Clen”; Mirna Liz Torres-Pérez, aka “Lizzi”; Elvin Omar Millàn-Huertas; José M. Rodríguez-Lugo, aka “Bizcocho”; Adonis Rivera Carrero, aka “Lobo”; David Ortero-Lugo, aka “Davo”; Jorge A. Torres-Figueroa, aka “Jorgie”; Victor Manuel Ortiz-Salgado, aka “El Viejo”; Billy Rosario-Maldonado, aka “Billi”; Ángel Xavier Gonzàlez-Nieves, aka “Xavi”; Melvin Leonardo Sepa-Sepulveda, aka “Hueso”; Hiram Díaz-Meléndez; Kelvin Candelaria-Ortiz, aka “Kelvin Gordo”; John Félix Gonzàlez-Pérez, aka “Palleta”; Juan Carlos Matos-Santos, aka “Cani”; and Félix Aldea Ferrer, aka “Chino Milla”.
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2010, the organization distributed cocaine, heroin, crack, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as “Percocet”), and Alprazolam (commonly known as “Xanax”) within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising housing facility owned by a public housing authority, at the Villa Evangelina Public Housing Project, all for financial gain and profit.The 25 co-conspirators had many roles in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. According to the indictment this organization had up to six leaders/drug point owners/enforcers, one narcotics supplier, at least four runners, a facilitator and firearms supplier, eleven sellers, an armed look-out and one facilitator. Six of the individuals are facing one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The defendants would use force, violence, threats and intimidation in order to discipline members of their own organization.
“I commend our law enforcement partners for their hard work and efforts in this investigation,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to pursue the prosecution of members of drug trafficking organizations, in order to provide a safer environment for the law abiding families residing in Puerto Rico’s public housing projects.”
“The FBI’s message is clear and unequivocal. We will work together with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to assign all necessary resources to identify, locate, and arrest violent crimes offenders. They will face our justice system. They will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Puerto Rico.
Eliezer Julian, Domicile Coordinator, US Postal Inspection Service stated: “The US Postal Inspection Services seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that attempt to utilize the US Mails. We have strengthened our relationship with our federal and state law enforcement partners. This inter-agency cooperation has had an impact on DTO's operating in Puerto Rico.”Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Veronda is in charge of the prosecution of the case. 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.
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