District of Puerto Rico
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
4 Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Perfume parlor used as a front for controlled substance sales
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On June 27, 2013, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against four defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine and Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigation.
According to the indictment, the object of the conspiracy was to use the establishment Perfumería Chris in Levittown, Toa Baja, PR, as a front from which the illegal sale of controlled substances, mainly cocaine and Percocet, could take place undetected, all for significant financial gain.
The defendants are: Ramón Santiago-Ortega, aka “Pucho”, owner of Perfumería Chris (perfume parlor); Jesús Cabrera-Martínez, aka “Papalote;” Yolanda Santiago-Orta and Elizabeth Rodríguez-Flores. They operated the Perfumería Chris, where they sold drug paraphernalia and narcotics in perfume accessories such as bags and boxes to disguise the controlled substances sold at their workplace. According to the indictment, the defendants would count and weight the controlled substances directly on top of the perfume counter before conducting the drug sales.
The defendants served as runners and sources of supply of cocaine for other members of the conspiracy, in addition to participating in the drug sales and splitting the earnings with other members. They used cellphones in committing, causing and facilitating controlled substance sales. It was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that members of the conspiracy advised as to the code names to use during the drug related conversations such as “Baskin-Robbins” in reference to 31 grams of cocaine (31 ice cream flavors) and “Perfume” in reference to kilos of cocaine.
Defendants Santiago-Ortega and Rodríguez-Flores are facing one count of managing and controlling a drug establishment. Since August 2011, these two defendants, owners, managers and/or employees, knowingly and intentionally used Perfumería Chris for the purpose of unlawfully storing and distributing cocaine and Percocet. As to the narcotics forfeiture allegation, the property to be forfeited is the two story building, to wit, Perfumería Chris.
“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. “These defendants distributed narcotics inside what appeared to be a legitimate business, where they thought their illegal activities would go undetected.”
“Our citizens should not have to live with drug dealers operating in their communities - openly conducting their drug deals in stores, mall parking lots and streets,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Pedro J. Janer. “Individuals, whether they live in Mayagüez or in San Juan, should be able to walk their streets and go about their daily activities without fear or exposure to drug activity and potential related violence. We will continue working hard to enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
Special Assistant US Attorney Max Pérez-Bouret 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.
15 Individuals Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Yesterday a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 15 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendants used the United States Postal Service to send narcotics and money derived from the drug trafficking activities via air mail.
According to the indictment, the object of the conspiracy was to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in Puerto Rico for further distribution in the continental United States, specifically New York and Connecticut, for significant financial gain and profit. It was part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that the defendants and their associates would conceal kilogram quantities of controlled substances in different containers to include light bright toy boxes. The defendants and their associates would travel, or cause others to travel, from Puerto Rico to the continental United States, using commercial airlines carrying kilogram quantities of controlled substances hidden in suitcases.
The defendants are: Elving Madera-Rivera, aka “Binchi;” Francisco Colón-Soto, aka “Moyo;” José Oliveras, aka “Topo,” José Rivera-Ramírez, aka “Berto Risa,” Noel Acevedo-Rosado, aka “El Paramédico,” Raul Alemañy-Minguela; Eddie Bonilla-Bernard, aka “Bolillo;” Alexis Pinzon-Galindo, aka “Pinzon;” Agatha Casanova-Matias; Llamilet Seda-Ortiz, aka “La Gorda;” Dacmarie Dàvila-Marrero, aka “Dagma;” Juan Luis Cardona-Cruz; Wilson Martinez-Troche, aka “Chelope;” Mayra Enid Miranda-Casiano; and Shenary Torres-Morales.
According to the indictment, the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of one million dollars. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos R. Cardona. If convicted, the defendants could face from 10 years up to life in prison.
“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. “Today we have stopped a criminal organization from bringing significant quantities of cocaine into our communities in the West side of Puerto Rico as well as into the continental United States. The result of this operation is nothing short of significant and it underscores what our citizens expect from law enforcement: keep drugs out of our neighborhoods.”
“This successful investigation is a great example of the results that are achieved when federal law enforcement, state, and the private sector work together in a combined effort. Transporting cocaine by mail, car, and airplanes or on foot leads to only one destination, prison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Vito S. Guarino. “We will not allow traffickers to turn our transportation routes and mail services into cocaine highways. As this case demonstrates it’s a dead end.”
USPIS
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, responsible for importing cocaine and heroin into Puerto Rico. 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.
Barceloneta Contractor Carlos Bolet Alvarez Pleads Guilty to Misprision of FelonyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Carlos Bolet Álvarez, a former contractor with the Municipality of Barceloneta pled guilty to a one count Information charging misprision of a felony before the Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. As a result of the failure to report an extortion of payment to the Mayor of Barceloneta the defendant could face up to 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The sentencing was scheduled for October 25, 2013 at 9:30 am.
From May 2011 through June 2011, Bolet had contracts in place for the rental of heavy equipment with the Municipality of Barceloneta and therefore was under an obligation to report any bribes, kickbacks or illegal payments that were made. From on or about May 16, 2011 and continuing through June 10, 2011, Bolet, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, specifically, an extortion payment of $40,000 solicited at the urging of the Mayor of the Municipality from Bolet, by actual or threatened use of fear and under the color of official right in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1951, knowing he was under an obligation to report the same, accepted further payments from the Municipality of Barceloneta pursuant to said contract involving federal funds and did not report the payment to some judge or other law enforcement authority.
“We will continue to prosecute public officials and contractors whose conduct undermines the public's trust in federal, state and municipal government,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Moreover, this case serves as an important reminder that even the failure to report a bribe may subject officials and contractors to criminal prosecution.”This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel, Charles R. Walsh and was investigated by the FBI.
Barceloneta Contractor Israel Quintna-Luciano Pleads Guilty to BriberyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Israel Quintana-Luciano, a former contractor with the Municipality of Barceloneta pled guilty to a one count Information charging federal program bribery before the Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rive, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. At sentencing, set for November 13 at 9:30 am, the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a supervised release term of not more than three (3) years and a $250,000 fine.
On or about January 19, 2012, Quintana met with the planning director of the Municipality of Barceloneta and during lunch provided him with a Christmas card with a small envelope inside which contained $5,000 in cash. The purpose of the payment was to expedite contract payments by the Municipality of Barceloneta and ensure continued work with the Municipality of Barceloneta for Cidra Excavation, which at the time had several contracts with the Municipality. During this time, included the year prior, the Municipality of Barceloneta received over $1,000,000 in federal funds.
“We will continue to prosecute public officials and contractors whose conduct undermines the public's trust in federal, state and municipal government,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Contractors who provide public officials with illegal payments contribute to undermining the public trust in local government and the services it provides to its constituents.”
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel, Charles R. Walsh and was investigated by the FBI.
Five Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods into the United States and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, a Federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against five individuals and three companies for conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Department of Homeland Security (HIS) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Import Specialist Branch.
According to the indictment, the defendants knowingly and willfully combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with each other to smuggle and clandestinely introduce, or attempt to smuggle or clandestinely introduce, merchandise imported from China, to wit: aluminum, by passing false and fraudulent invoices and documents through a CBP customhouse with the intent to defraud the United States of approximately $26.7 million in lawful antidumping and countervailing duties accruing upon said merchandise.
The defendants and entities are:
- Samuel García-Adarme - the owner of Sultana Screens & Aluminum Sales and Vice President of Aluwest Industries;
- Edrick García -Vàzquez - the President of PRP Trading Corp;
- Armando García-Vàzquez - the Vice President of PRP Trading and the Chief Financial Officer of Sultana Screens & Aluminum Sales;
- Carlos Minguela-Ortiz - the accountant for Sultana Screens & Aluminum Sales and PRP Trading;
- William Tang Piu Wong - the owner of AGI Trading Corporation, facilitated the importation of Chinese manufactured goods into United States commerce;
- Sultana Screens & Aluminum Sales - located in Mayagüez, and two additional locations in Caguas and Ponce, P.R., imported aluminum and manufacturing related products for sale;
- PRP Trading Corp. - located in Arecibo, P.R., imported aluminum; and
- Aluwest Industries - located in Ponce, P.R., manufactured aluminum products.
The object of the conspiracy was that defendants Samuel García-Adarme, Edrick García-Vàzquez, Armando García-Vàzquez and Carlos Minguela-Ortiz, owners and/or principals of Sultana Screens & Aluminum Sales, PRP Trading, and Aluwest Industries, with the assistance of William Tang Piu Wong, would purchase aluminum from China, transship the aluminum to Malaysia, repackage the aluminum and create false invoices to make it appear as though the aluminum originated in Malaysia, and then import the aluminum into Puerto Rico in order to avoid payment of the antidumping and countervailing duties (ADD/CVD).
ADD and CVD are additional duties imposed on goods entering into U.S. commerce for consumption. The imposition of ADD/CVD is a prerogative of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to avoid imported merchandise being sold below fair market value. Since November 2010, the Department of Commerce imposed antidumping and countervailing duties on Chinese-origin aluminum, which ranged from 30 - 33% of the declared value of the imported aluminum, and 374.15% of the declared value of the imported aluminum, respectively.
Count two of the indictment charges defendants Edrick and Armando García-Vàzquez, Minguela Ortiz and Wong, along with the three companies, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendants, having devised a scheme or artifice to defraud the United States by means of false and fraudulent pretenses did cause to be transmitted by means of wire communications in interstate and foreign commerce electronic mailings for the purpose of executing such scheme or artifice.
Count three charges all defendants with conspiracy to commit money laundering. They conspired to transfer and attempted to transfer funds, that is $6,907,985.43 in United States currency from Puerto Rico to Malaysia, with the intent to promote the carrying on of a specified unlawful activity, which was smuggling goods into the United States.
The forfeiture allegations include a money judgment of $26,758,437.86 for the unpaid ADD/CVD and a money judgment of $6,907, 985.43 for the money laundering count. The government seeks to forfeit real estate properties and bank accounts as substitute assets.
“These individuals are charged with defrauding the United States government of tens of millions of dollars in lawfully imposed duties,” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in corrupt acts which directly affect fair market competition in imported goods” stated Rodríguez-Vélez.“The ICE HSI Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties (ADD/CVD) Program is one way that HSI protects U.S. businesses from fraudulent trade practices. ADD/CVD orders are issued by the Department of Commerce (DOC) and collected and distributed by CBP. Antidumping duties are assessed when importers sell merchandise at less than fair market value, which causes material injury to a domestic industry producing a comparable product. The United States can also impose countervailing duties to offset foreign government subsidy payments on exports of foreign businesses. Duties are imposed to offset the dumping or subsidies provided by the foreign country in order to maintain the competitiveness of United States industry and to foster a level business playing field,” said Ángel Meléndez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “HSI is responsible for investigating importers who evade the payment of ADD/CVD on imported merchandise. ADD/CVD cases are long-term, transnational investigations that require significant coordination between domestic and international offices and with our foreign law enforcement counterparts.”
“CBP is responsible for enforcing the antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) law and collecting the ADD/CVD duties assessed against applicable imports. Importers who willfully circumvent the provisions of the ADD/CVD law through illegal transshipment, undervaluation or misclassification of merchandise in order to avoid paying these duties will be identified and investigated,” said Marcelino Borges, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the USVI. “Our officers and trade experts remain vigilant to detect these violators and enforce all trade related laws.”
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel, Assistant United States Attorney Scott Anderson. If found guilty, the defendants could face a possible sentence of twenty (20) years in prison.
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.Business Owner and His Wife Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On June 17, 2013 defendant Gilberto Gómez was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 70 months and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,956,750.54 by US District Court Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Today, his wife Yolanda García was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months and a day, followed by 2 years of Supervised Release Term and a Special Monetary Assessment in the amount of $100.00.
A forfeiture order was also issued for the seizure of all the properties and monies mentioned in the forfeiture allegation of the Indictment, which include a luxurious apartment at Gallery Plaza Condominium in Condado, multiple bank accounts, investment accounts, jewelry and other personal property that constitutes or was derived, directly or indirectly from the gross proceeds traceable to the commission of the offense.
On January 12, 2012, a Federal grand jury returned an indictment against multiple individuals for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Amongst them, Gilberto Gómez, president of Monte Mar Health Corporation (Monte Mar), PROMEDS Medical Inc. (PROMEDS) and Quality Care Medical Supply (Quality) and Yolanda García-Rodríguez, aka “Yolanda Gómez,” wife of Gómez and president of PROMEDS, secretary/treasurer of Monte Mar and an authorized official of Quality.
The indictment alleges that from on or about November, 2008, until on or about May, 2010, Monte Mar submitted at least 1,518 false and fraudulent claims to Medicare totaling approximately $2,993,127.35 for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that was not medically necessary, causing Medicare to disburse approximately $1,440,597.65. The indictment further alleges that on or about March 2010, after Monte Mar had been placed in a pre-payment status by Medicare, defendants Gilberto Gómez and Yolanda García-Rodríguez purchased PROMEDS and submitted false claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for DME, including power wheelchairs, power pressure reducing air mattresses and knee orthosis. PROMEDS submitted at least 359 fraudulent claims to Medicare totaling approximately $786,368.34, causing Medicare to disburse approximately $335,493.12.
The indictment further alleges that in October 2010, a third company, Quality, was purchased by Gómez and García-Rodríguez after PROMEDS had been placed in a pre-payment status by Medicare. From on or about October 2010, until May, 2011, Quality submitted at least 115 false claims to Medicare totaling approximately $298,321.26, causing Medicare to disburse approximately $180,659.77. The indictment alleges a total amount of $4,077,816.95 fraudulently billed by using Monte Mar, PROMEDS and Quality, where Medicare disbursed a total of approximately $1,956,750.54.
The investigation was led by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), with the collaboration of the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).“As part of the nation’s health care system, Medicare serves vulnerable populations,” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The sentences imposed by the Court today show that we will not tolerate criminals who engage in fraudulent schemes which deplete the Medicare program of funds which are destined for our elderly population, in order to enrich themselves.”
“HHS/OIG works diligently to investigate allegations of Medicare fraud. Today's sentencings involving Durable Medical Equipment (DME) fraud demonstrate our resolve to bring these subjects to justice. Furthermore, our efforts, along with the US Attorney's Office and our Law Enforcement partners, have made a dramatic reduction on the total dollars billed and paid for DME in Puerto Rico.”
“The U.S. Secret Service is committed to investigate any financial fraud crimes to include identity theft along with our partner agencies to safeguard our financial system,” said Pedro Gómez, Special Agent in Charge. We will continue to investigate these types of crimes to the fullest extent of the law and bring to justice these criminals that engage in identity theft to facilitate other criminal activities.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace A. Bustelo.Individual Arrested for “Sextortion” in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, Jimmy Caraballo-Colón was arrested in Caguas, for coercing a female minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct (production of child pornography), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This arrest followed an investigation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Unit in Puerto Rico and Colorado, and officers assigned to the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF).
Jimmy Caraballo-Colón, a 25 years-old summer camp counselor who teaches cheerleading to minors, was engaging in a new modality of sexual blackmailing called “sextortion” with a 17 year-old female minor from the State of Colorado. According to the investigation, Caraballo-Colón met the minor in an anonymous internet video chat website. During the chat, Caraballo-Colón offered the minor game “points” for removing her clothes. The defendant then proceeded to blackmail the minor by threatening to post the nude recording in the internet if the minor did not provide her personal information such as her phone number, email address, Skype address and Facebook account. Despite the fact that the minor complied with Caraballo-Colon’s request, the “sextortion” escalated as he demanded more sexually explicit acts during the video chats, including masturbation, which he also recorded.
On June 4, 2013, a Search Warrant was executed at Caraballo-Colon’s residence in Caguas, where he was subsequently detained. He was charged in a Complaint with production of child pornography. He was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce J. McGiverin for his initial appearance on June 4, 2013 and was ordered temporarily detained.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 15 years of incarceration. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea.
“Unfortunately, our community has witnessed a dramatic increase in child pornography and child abuse through the internet. Predators, often disguised as peers and responsible adults, groom and befriend unsuspecting and innocent child victims to perform sexually explicit acts.” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Today’s complaint is a strong and clear message to predators and criminals that we will not accept tolerate this conduct ways, and will hunt them down to make sure they face justice and respond for their criminal behavior. The Federal Law Enforcement Community and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will spare no resources to arrest and prosecute these predators. Nonetheless, the community, teachers and parents must be vigilant and proactive with our children and educate them on the modus operandi of these offenders”
“Child exploitation, in all its forms, must be among the most heinous crimes a person can commit, but when the element of sextortion is part of this unspeakable exploitation, the aberration is even more nauseating and the emotional pain inflicted on the victim is just overwhelming and hard to endure,” said Angel Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “Make no doubt, HSI will continue utilizing all its resources and, along with our federal, state and local partners, we will continue identifying those who victimize the most vulnerable segment of our society—our children.”
In response to the need for an island-wide approach to fighting the escalation of predatory crimes against children, HSI San Juan partnered with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state government officials and community leaders, to form PRCACTF in June 2011.
Through PRCACTF, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together with local and state government agencies to effectively pool their resources to jointly investigate all crimes against children in Puerto Rico. Through the task force, law enforcement officers are encouraged to share evidence, ideas, and investigative and forensic tools to ensure the most successful prosecutions possible. As such, PRCACTF allows law enforcement to speak with one unified voice in defense of the children of Puerto Rico.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
Two Individuals Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — On Friday, May 31, two individuals, Leo de la Rosa-Meran and Marisol Rivera-Casillas, were arrested for child pornography charges on separate incidents, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. These two arrests followed investigations from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, and officers assigned to the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF).
Leo de la Rosa-Meran, a 45 year-old evangelical preacher, was engaging in sexual explicit telephone conversations with two 17 year-old female minors, both of whom he met through his church. According to the investigation, De la Rosa-Meran had requested nude images from both minors, but only one of them sent nude images of herself upon his request. It is also alleged that De la Rosa-Meran sent both female minors nude images of himself, more specifically photos of his penis. The defendant, who is also the owner of the cheese factory named “Chesso,” located in Rio Piedras, was charged via complaint of Production/Attempted Production of Child Pornography. He was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé for his initial appearance on Friday afternoon, and was ordered temporarily detained. His detention hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, June 5, at 9:30 am before Judge Vélez-Rivé.
Defendant Marisol Rivera-Casillas, 36, was arrested late Friday evening, May 31, 2013, after ICE-HSI, received information from Puerto Rico Police Department revealing that Rivera-Casillas was engaging in sexual explicit acts with a nine year-old male minor, and was filming it using her cell phone camera.
Rivera-Casillas was brought before U.S. Magistrate Camille Vélez-Rivé for her initial appearance today, upon which she was ordered temporarily detained in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo awaiting the outcome of her case. The detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2013.If convicted, both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen (15) years incarceration and a possible maximum statutory sentence of thrity (30) years incarceration. Both of these cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan.
“It is very troubling that in the District of Puerto Rico, during the first 20 weeks of this year, 21 individuals have been individually arrested for child pornography cases,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Criminals who prey on children are committing unspeakable acts, causing irreparable harm and robbing the innocent of their innocence, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the federal and state law enforcement partners, will continue to track down these criminals, arrest them and bring them to justice.”
“Predators who victimize innocent children for selfish gratification must know that we will not rest until they are brought to justice,” said Ángel Meléndez, Special Agent in Charge HSI San Juan. “Words cannot describe the harm that these crimes inflict on children. ICE will continue using its unique immigration authorities to identify and arrest those who present a threat to our community. Those criminals in Puerto Rico involved in these despicable crimes should be on notice because we will find you and bring you to justice.”
In response to the need for an island-wide approach to fighting the escalation of predatory crimes against children, HSI San Juan partnered with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state government officials and community leaders, to form PRCACTF in June 2011.
Through PRCACTF, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together with local and state government agencies to effectively pool their resources to jointly investigate all crimes against children in Puerto Rico. Through the task force, law enforcement officers are encouraged to share evidence, ideas, and investigative and forensic tools to ensure the most successful prosecutions possible. As such, PRCACTF allows law enforcement to speak with one unified voice in defense of the children of Puerto Rico.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
12 Individuals Indicted for CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On May 22, 2013, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned multiple indictments against 12 defendants charged with carjacking and firearms offenses, announced today Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This is the second largest carjacking arrest operation in the District of Puerto Rico. The accusations are the result of a joint effort between the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Save Our Streets Initiative (SOS) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD).
The defendants are: José Canales-Cordova; Wilfredo Jiménez-Torres; Gadiel Lozada-Manzano; Guarionex Pratts Rey; Miguel A. Sànchez-Rivera; Josué E. Aponte-Ramos; Victor J. Romàn Lizardi; Miguel A. Fernàndez-Torres; Luis R. Figueroa-Chévere; and Christopher Pérez-Pontón. These defendants are responsible for many violent crimes within our District, and had committed offenses which until now remained unsolved. Other defendants who allegedly committed the same offenses of carjacking and firearm violations are: Kedwin Rodríguez-Rivera; Roberto Rohena-Villega and Ricardo Urbina-Robles. These individuals were previously indicted in separate accusations.
The SOS agents and the prosecutors in USAO’s Illegal Firearms and Violent Crime Reduction Initiative have filed criminal charges against more than 123 violent offenders for violations to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119. With these latest charges, the prosecutors in the USAO’s Illegal Firearms and Violent Crime Reduction Initiative have charged approximately 770 violent offenders within the last six months.
“The investigations by the SOS team of FBI special agents and designated PRPD officers will continue into similar crimes in other areas of Puerto Rico,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The collaboration and team work between state and federal law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prompt filing of charges show the immediate results we continue to obtain with this joint initiative.”
“Violent Crimes is one of the priorities for the FBI in San Juan and we'll continue aggressively pursuing it, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office.
The cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys: Max Pérez-Bouret, Kelly Zenón-Matos, Amanda C. Soto-Ortega, Normary Figueroa-Rijo, and Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodríguez, under the supervision of Assistant United States Attorney Jose Capó-Iriarte, Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit. If convicted, the defendants could face sentencings from 15 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.
Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Convicted of Extorting A Defendant for $50,000Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Two former police officers with the Police of Puerto Rico were convicted of attempting to extort a commonwealth defendant and soliciting bribe payments of $50,000, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico.
Abimael Arroyo-Cruz, 30, of Río Grande, Puerto Rico, was convicted by a jury on charges including conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion and attempted extortion. Josué Becerril-Ramos, 36, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to the same counts during trial.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Arroyo and Becerril arrested eight individuals for possession of unregistered firearms and marijuana on Aug. 2, 2012. The officers then solicited from one individual a bribe payment of $50,000 to have his case dismissed. Beginning on Sept. 11, 2012, both officers spoke with the individual multiple times over the telephone, discussing payment details and strategies for dismissing the individual’s case. Arroyo and Becerril collected approximately $35,000 of the $50,000 in two different payment installments.
In exchange for the bribes, Arroyo and Becerril devised a plan whereby the officers would misidentify a co-defendant in court, leading to dismissal of that defendant’s case. When asked under oath at the preliminary hearing to identify the defendant, Arroyo instead identified a co-defendant.
Unbeknownst to the officers, the individuals who dropped off the payments were cooperating with federal law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood of the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorneys Menaka Kalaskar and Marquest J. Meeks of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
42 Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
The intended loss amounts to approximately $1,205,834.15
SAN JUAN, P.R. –On May 22, 2013, a federal grand jury indicted 42 individuals as a result of an investigation led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) and the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, announced today Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and one count of a forfeiture allegation of $580,089.51.
From in or about May 2010 through September 2011, the defendants herein, and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, did knowingly and willfully conspire and agree with each other to commit an offense against the United States, that is, devising a scheme and artifice to defraud Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR), Banco Santander de Puerto Rico (BSPR), First Bank, Scotiabank, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and Doral Bank; financial institutions whose deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC], and to obtain moneys, funds, credits, assets, securities and other property owned by, or under the custody or control of said financial institution, all by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises relating to a material fact.
The USPIS and ICE-HSI conducted a Bank Fraud investigation involving approximately 42 individuals from the Humacao, Puerto Rico area. Since 2010, the organization headed by an individual named Kelvin García-Oquendo engaged in bank fraud, causing losses to several financial institutions in approximately $580,089.51. The intended loss amounts to approximately $1,205,834.15.
According to the indictment, the organization had individuals performing different roles in furtherance of the conspiracy, such as: 1) leaders and organizers; 2) recruiters; 3) facilitators who would either open bank accounts or lend existing bank accounts for the deposit of false and fraudulent checks; 4) purchasers who would use ATM cards of the facilitators to purchase Money Gram Money Orders and Postal Money Orders with the proceeds of the bank fraud scheme; and 5) cashers who would go to different post offices to cash the money orders purchased by others.
Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Kelvin García-Oquendo, Luis Luzunariz-Cruz, and Ramón López-García acted as leaders for the criminal organization. The leaders would create the false and fraudulent checks, determine the amounts to be deposited, and the funds to be withdrawn from the bank accounts in which the false checks had been deposited. Often times, said defendants did other roles, such as recruiting individuals, purchasing and cashing money orders.
At different times in the conspiracy, García-Oquendo, Luzunariz-Cruz, López-García, Georgie García-Oquendo, Joel Bezares-Cruz, Oscar Díaz-Maldonado, David Mestre-Cuadrado, Ernesto J. Bravo-Rivera, Jonathan Sierra-Cotto, Ángel L. Crespo, Carlos Delgado-Gómez, Alvin Rivera, Ruperto Rijos-Pérez, José Sànchez-Díaz, María Del Carmen García acted as recruiters of facilitators, purchasers and cashers for the conspiracy.Codefendants López-García, Alejandro Rodríguez-Arce, Bezares-Cruz, Díaz-Maldonado, Ernesto J. Bravo-Rivera, Crespo, Delgado-Gómez, Rijos-Pérez, Marie Grillasca-Batistini, Edwin Murillo-Rivera, Mayleen Oquendo-García, Yinairy Medina-Castro, Sonia Rivera-Velàzquez, Idalia Santana-Alamo, Gabriel Ramos-Ríos, Héctor Barbosa-Vellón, Jorge M. Agosto, Misha Rodríguez-Lazu, Héctor E. Rivera-Ortiz, Félix Delgado-Vàzquez, Brenda I. Ortiz-Echevarría, Ángel L. Serrano-Valentin, Edgardo Santana-Castro, Ramón Santiago-Matos, William Agosto Díaz, Melitza Naveira-Sanabria, García, Alfonso Capestany, Kenny Quiñones-Vàzquez, Luis Ramos-Pacheco,acted as facilitators for the conspiracy. Their tasks were: (1) open bank accounts and/or lend existing bank accounts for the deposit of false and fraudulent checks, (2) provide account information used to create the false and fraudulent checks, and (3) lend their ATM cards to others for the purchase of money orders with the proceeds of the bank fraud scheme.
Other codefendants known and unknown to the Grand Jury acted as purchasers by using their own and/or borrowed ATM cards to purchase money orders at Money Gram centers and US Postal Service stations with the illegal proceeds of the bank fraud scheme. The cashers for the conspiracy converted to cash Money Gram and Postal money orders that had been purchased with the illegal proceeds of the bank fraud scheme.
The seven defendants that are facing eight counts of aggravated identity theft are: Kelvin García-Oquendo, Luzunaris-Cruz, Sànchez-Díaz, Georgie García-Oquendo, Raul Marte-Colón, López-García and Delgado-Gómez. These defendants, aiding and abetting each other, knowingly transfer, possess and use the name, bank account number and information, as well as the automatic teller machine (ATM) personal identification number (PIN) belonging to another person for purposes of retrieving from said bank accounts funds which were the proceeds of the bank fraud scheme.
“The egregious behavior of those who would exploit our banking system for personal and criminal gain will not be tolerated. We remain committed to investigating and apprehending those who cheat the system,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We are committed to ensuring the integrity of the banking system and to prosecuting those who would undermine it for their personal gain.”
“These arrests are a reflection of the success that comes when federal, state and local law enforcement agencies work together to target criminal organizations and individuals in Puerto Rico,” said Ángel Meléndez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “At HSI, we follow the money trail to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most complicated financial schemes and seize criminal assets. 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.”
“United States Postal Inspectors will continue to aggressively investigate criminals who use the USPS and its products for illegal gain. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice those who commit these types of offense.” Maria Kelokates, Inspector in Charge Newark Division, San Juan Field Office.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó. Defendants are facing a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and fines not to exceed $1,000,000.00. Those defendants charged with aggravated identity theft are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of two years of incarceration consecutive to whatever sentence it’s imposed for the bank fraud charges.
Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.Two Individuals Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Today, physical education teacher Rigel Colón-Cruzado was arrested for Coercion and Enticement of a minor following an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit authorized on May 17, 2013 by US Magistrate Judge Marcos López, on April 29, 2013, agents received information regarding an adult male physical education teacher at a middle school that was engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a 12 year-old female minor. During the course of the investigation, agents learned that the minor victim was Colón-Cruzado’s 7th grade student.
In a separate investigation, Bayamón Correction Officer Ángel Marrero-Hernàndez was arrested on Friday, May 17 for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The investigation revealed that Marrero-Hernàndez used a Samsung Galaxy Note cellular phone to access applications, including “kik” and Facebook, to conduct sexually explicit conversations with a 15-year old female. During these conversations Marrero-Hernàndez sent nude images of himself and requested nude images of the minor victim in return.
“We want to let the public know that these defendants will face serious consequences for their actions. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute this type of criminal activity to the fullest extent of the law. We want the community to know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, along with our federal, state and local partners, are committed to protecting children from these sexual predators,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
“These cases reveal the disturbing truth that some adults will go to great lengths to sexually exploit minors,” said Ángel Meléndez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “In less than five months HSI San Juan has arrested 18 individuals on child exploitation charges which include possession, distribution and production of child pornography as well as the sexual enticement of minors—this is simply alarming. HSI will continue working with our local, state and federal partners to identify and arrest those who exploit our children and ensure they are prosecuted for their heinous crimes.”
Both defendants were brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sylvia Carreño-Coll for their initial appearance, whereupon they were ordered temporarily detained in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo awaiting the outcome of their cases. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years incarceration and a possible maximum statutory sentence of life incarceration. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Meconiates and Luke Cass.
In response to the need for an island-wide approach to fighting the escalation of predatory crimes against children, HSI San Juan partnered with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state government officials and community leaders, to form PRCACTF in June 2011.
Through PRCACTF, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together with local and state government agencies to effectively pool their resources to jointly investigate all crimes against children in Puerto Rico. Through the task force, law enforcement officers are encouraged to share evidence, ideas, and investigative and forensic tools to ensure the most successful prosecutions possible. As such, PRCACTF allows law enforcement to speak with one unified voice in defense of the children of Puerto Rico.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
Executive Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico —U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, and officers assigned to the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF) arrested Reinaldo Díaz-Camacho, aka “Rei Díaz”, 48, from Moca, PR, an executive at Pfizer Pharmaceutical, for production of child pornography, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On May 6, 2013, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cyber Crimes Group (CCG) received information from the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Sexual Crimes Division (SCD) in Fajardo, PR regarding an adult male who was engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a 16 year-old male minor via Facebook.
On that same date, the victim’s mother was interviewed by HSI Agents. During the interview, she explained that earlier in the day she had seen a sexually explicit conversation between her son and Díaz-Camacho on the minor’s cell phone. The forensic examination of the minor’s cell phone revealed the presence of sexually explicit images. The minor had received sexually explicit images from Díaz-Camacho via Facebook and text messages.
After receiving consent from John Doe’s mother, an ICE-HSI Special Agent assumed the identity of the minor on Facebook and continued the conversation with Díaz-Camacho. During the conversation via Facebook, Díaz-Camacho requested that the minor victim send him nude images of himself.
Diaz-Camacho was brought before U.S. Magistrate Bruce McGiverin for his initial appearance, whereupon he was ordered temporarily detained in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo awaiting the outcome of his case. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years incarceration and a possible maximum statutory sentence of 30 years incarceration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan.
“The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Project Safe Childhood, will continue prosecuting sexual predators of minors,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The US Attorney’s Office, along with law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico, will continue to track down these criminals, arrest them and bring them to justice,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
“At HSI, we have always said that the parents are the first line of defense in protecting our children from online predators,” said Ángel Meléndez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “If it had not been for the proactive approach of this mother, this minor could still be a victim of this unscrupulous man. Child predators should take note that HSI will not rest until we identify you, arrest you and prosecute you.”
In response to the need for an island-wide approach to fighting the escalation of predatory crimes against children, HSI San Juan partnered with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state government officials and community leaders, to form PRCACTF in June 2011.Through PRCACTF, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together with local and state government agencies to effectively pool their resources to jointly investigate all crimes against children in Puerto Rico. Through the task force, law enforcement officers are encouraged to share evidence, ideas, and investigative and forensic tools to ensure the most successful prosecutions possible. As such, PRCACTF allows law enforcement to speak with one unified voice in defense of the children of Puerto Rico.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
Brenda Velazquez-Corchado, Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Friday evening Brenda Velàzquez-Corchado, a former procurement official with the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PR DOE) was found guilty of conspiracy to commit a violation of Title 18 USC Section 666(a)(1)(B), Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal funds, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Senior Judge Juan Pérez-Giménez presided the trial. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 19, 2013 at 10:00 am.
Defendant Velàzquez-Corchado was the sole defendant remaining of a 13 person indictment filed against various PR DOE officials, which included the Chief Procurement Officer of the PR DOE Luis Conde-Rosa, and various company officials doing business with the Department. The jury found that between January 2008 through February 2010, the defendant conspired with others to corruptly solicit, demand, give and accept things of value, goods and cash, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and a series of transactions. The evidence presented at trial showed that approximately $2,900,000.00 dollars in contracts were awarded to companies where the defendant received over $25,000 in bribes, which included cash and goods.
The defendant is facing a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“These individuals defrauded education programs, with the assistance of public employees who abused their positions for personal gain,” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in corrupt acts which directly affect federal programs and the availability of these funds for its intended recipients,” stated Rodríguez-Vélez.The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julia Díaz-Rex and Héctor Ramírez. The investigation was led by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Inspector General (DOE-OIG), with the collaboration of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Comptroller’s Office in Puerto Rico.
Defendant from La Tombola Case Sentenced to 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Carmelo Rondón-Feliciano was sentenced today to 262 months in prison by United States District Court Judge José A. Fusté. On November 7, 2012, Rondón-Feliciano pled guilty to violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). Particularly, Rondón-Feliciano admitted that for at least ten years between 1993 and 2003, he participated in a pattern of racketeering activity through his drug trafficking organization. The reprehensible criminal acts perpetrated by his group included 12 murders between 1996 and 2001 that were directed or committed by co-defendant Alexis Candelario-Santana in furtherance of or in the protection of the drug trafficking organization, as well as the illicit trafficking of cocaine base (crack), cocaine, heroin and marihuana, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez and Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
The evidence at Candelario-Santana’s trial established that Rondón-Feliciano became Candelario-Santana’s right hand man beginning in 1996 when Candelario-Santana took control of the drug trafficking organization at Palo de Goma, Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Rondón-Feliciano continued his leadership role in the organization even after Candelario-Santana was arrested and charged in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with 12 murders in 2002. While Candelario-Santana was incarcerated, Rondón-Feliciano continued to run the organization and sent Candelario-Santana profits from the organization’s drug points until 2005-06, when the men had a dispute over the drug profits. Rondón-Feliciano then attempted to run the organization on his own.
In 2006, Rondón-Feliciano became the target of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. This investigation led to Rondón-Feliciano’s September 25, 2006, arrest after the execution of a search warrant at Las Brisas, where law enforcement authorities recovered an armory of weapons belonging to the drug trafficking organization (including AK-47-type assault weapons, numerous semiautomatic weapons, extended magazines -- some capable of firing 100 rounds or more without being reloaded -- and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition), as well as a large quantity of heroin and cocaine. Rondón-Feliciano was charged in the District of Puerto Rico.
Co-defendant Alexis Candelario-Santana was convicted by a jury on March 23rd. According to the evidence presented at Candelario-Santana’s trial, from approximately 1993 through 2003, the drug trafficking organization operated principally in Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The organization purchased its drugs in bulk, processed and packaged the drugs and sold them at Sabana Seca through numerous sellers, runners and enforcers under Candelario-Santana’s control. The organization sold crack, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, and members of the organization routinely possessed firearms in order to protect the drug points. In addition, the evidence introduced at trial established that, between 1995 and 2001, Candelario-Santana either personally killed, or ordered others to kill, 13 individuals whom he viewed as threats to his drug trafficking organization or as being disloyal members of his drug trafficking organization. Candelario-Santana was also convicted of the October 17, 2009, murder of eight people and an unborn child and attempting to murder 19 others during a mass shooting at a Puerto Rico pub in what became known as the “La Tombola Massacre.” As a result of his conviction, Candelario-Santana will be sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.“The Rondon-Feliciano drug trafficking organization controlled the neighborhoods in the Sabana Seca area, spreading violence and fear in this community,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Justice has been served. The public welfare has been protected. This outstanding result was achieved through the collaboration of all of our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division’s Capital Case Unit.”
The case was investigated by FBI, and PRPD, with the collaboration of DEA, ATF, US Postal Inspectors, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, and prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney María Dominguez-Victoriano, Assistant United States Attorney Marcela Mateo and Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Unit.
Convict Lashaun Casey Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Today, Lashaun Casey, 32, faces life in prison following his conviction of murdering undercover Puerto Rico police officer Jesús Lizardi-Espada on August 1, 2005, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
On March 19, 2013, Casey was convicted of three counts of carjacking, using a firearm during and in relation of a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These offenses occurred on August 1, 2005, during an undercover drug transaction.
The counts of conviction on capital murder charges necessitated a separate penalty phase of the trial. That phase began on Monday, April 8. Today, the jury announced it was unable to reach a unanimous sentencing verdict. As a result, a sentence of life in prison will be imposed. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Mr. Casey committed a brutal act of violence against a police officer,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Today, a Puerto Rico jury emphatically rejected his behavior and brought him to justice. We cannot, and we will not, slowdown in our efforts to hold violent criminals like Casey accountable for their crimes.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department, with the collaboration of Instituto de Ciencias Forenses and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, and prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel, Assistant United States Attorney Scott Anderson and Assistant United States Attorney Mariana Bauzà.
Puerto Rico Man Faces Life in Prison for Mass Shooting in 2009Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Alexis Candelario-Santana, 41, faces life in prison following his conviction of murdering eight people and an unborn child and attempting to murder 19 others during a mass shooting at a Puerto Rico pub in 2009, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
On March 8, 2013, Candelari-Santana was convicted of 28 counts of violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, one count of racketeering conspiracy, nine counts of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These offenses occurred on Oct. 17, 2009, in what became known as the “La Tombola Massacre.”
The counts of conviction on capital murder charges necessitated a separate penalty phase of the trial. That phase began on Monday, March 15, 2003. On Saturday, March 23, 2013, the jury announced it was unable to reach a unanimous sentencing verdict. As a result, a sentence of life in prison will be imposed. There is no parole in the federal system.
ccording to the evidence presented at trial, from approximately 1993 through 2003, Candelario-Santana was the leader of the drug trafficking organization that operated principally in Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The organization purchased its drugs in bulk, processed and packaged the drugs and sold them at Sabana Seca through numerous sellers, runners and enforcers under Candelario-Santana’s control. The organization sold crack, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, and members of the organization routinely possessed firearms in order to protect the drug points. In addition, the evidence introduced at trial established that, between 1995 and 2001, Mr. Candelario-Santana either personally killed, or ordered others to kill, 13 individuals whom he viewed as threats to his drug trafficking organization or as being disloyal members of his drug trafficking organization.
In approximately 2002, Candelario-Santana was arrested and charged in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with numerous murders. Sometime after Candelario-Santana’s arrest, co-defendant Carmelo Rondón-Feliciano took charge of the organization. Candelario-Santana ran the drug trafficking organization from prison until approximately 2006, when he was marginalized by co-conspirator Wilfredo Semprit-Santana and Rondón-Feliciano. According to evidence presented at trial, Candelario-Santana was infuriated at being removed from power within the drug trafficking organization.
On Sept. 25, 2006, Rondón-Feliciano was arrested and charged in the District of Puerto Rico with federal drug trafficking crimes. These charges stemmed, in part, from Rondón-Feliciano’s distribution of narcotics in Sabana Seca. After Rondón-Feliciano’s arrest, co-conspirator Semprit-Santana took charge of the organization.
In February 2009, Candelario-Santana was released from prison.On Oct. 17, 2009, Semprit-Santana held the grand opening of a pub he rented called La Tómbola, located in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The event was heavily attended, with people congregating inside and outside the establishment. At approximately 11:50 p.m., Candelario-Santana, co-defendant David Oquendo-Rivas, and others, drove to La Tómbola. When they arrived, they immediately opened fire on the patrons located outside. Candelario-Santana and Oquendo-Rivas entered La Tómbola and opened fire on the people inside. Nine people and an 8-month unborn child were killed as a result of the gunfire, and 19 other victims were shot and injured. The individuals killed included Candelario-Santana’s godson, Rondón-Feliciano’s stepson and Candelario-Santana’s cousin. The evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that 335 expended shell-casings were recovered from the La Tombola crime scene. The ballistics evidence established that eight .9 mm semi-automatic pistols, three 40 caliber semi-automatic pistols, two 45 caliber semi-automatic pistols, three AK-47-type assault rifles and one AR-15-type assault rifle, were used at the La Tombola crime scene.
Candelario Santana will be formally sentenced on June 21, 2013.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department, with the collaboration of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Instituto de Ciencias Forenses; and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney María Dominguez-Victoriano and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcela Mateo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Unit.
Four Individuals Indicted for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 14, 2013, a Federal grand jury returned a fourteen count-indictment against four individuals for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was led by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the indictment, from on or about January 2007, until on or about March 2010, Olympic Medical Equipment (OME), a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company authorized to do business in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, submitted and/or caused to be submitted at least one thousand one hundred and forty nine (1,149) false and fraudulent claims to Medicare totaling approximately one million three hundred thirty seven-thousand twenty eight dollars and ninety eight cents ($1,337,028.98) for DME that was not medically necessary, causing Medicare to disburse approximately seven hundred forty seven thousand four hundred sixty one dollars and 31 cents ($747,461.31) for such claims.
Defendant Jaime Sepúlveda-Concepción was the president of Olympic Medical Equipment. He owned and managed OME controlling the business activities to include submitting DME claims to Medicare on behalf of OME. He controlled Medicare payments received by OME and paid kickbacks to defendant Mario Reyes-Cruz based on the type of equipment ordered in the prescriptions and/or medical orders. Defendant Reyes-Cruz was an independent sales coordinator that brought to Sepúlveda-Concepción DME orders for Medicare beneficiaries. Defendant Edgar Cancel-Zapata was a physician licensed to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. Cancel-Zapata signed and completed for OME false: progress notes, prescriptions and/or medical orders, CMNs, and/or Statements of Ordering Physician, for Medicare beneficiaries that were billed by OME. Cancel-Zapata was paid kickbacks by Reyes-Cruz on behalf of OME, in exchange for signing and completing the false: progress notes, prescriptions and/or medical orders, CMNs, and/or Statements of Ordering Physician for OME.
Defendant Sonia Guzmàn-Silvagnoli was a physician licensed to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. Guzmàn-Silvagnoli signed and completed for OME false: progress notes, prescriptions and/or medical orders, CMNs, and/or Statements of Ordering Physician, for Medicare beneficiaries that were billed by OME. She was paid kickbacks by Reyes-Cruz on behalf of OME, in exchange for signing and completing the false: progress notes, prescriptions and/or medical orders, CMNs, and/or Statements of Ordering Physician for OME.
The object of the unlawful conspiracy was that defendants Jaime Sepúlveda-Concepción, Mario Reyes-Cruz, and Edgar Cancel-Zapata unlawfully enriched themselves submitting and/or causing to be submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and/or by falsely and fraudulently representing that the medical conditions of the Medicare beneficiaries were such that DME, including spinal orthosis: TLSO and LSO; wheelchair options/accessories; therapeutic shoes for persons with diabetes; hospital beds and accessories; pressure reducing support surfaces-group 1; wheelchair seating; knee orthosis; power mobility devices; heating pads and heat lamps; powered pressure-reducing air mattress; separate seat lift mechanism; and elbow orthosis, were medically necessary when in fact the defendants well knew the beneficiaries were never examined and did not suffer from such medical conditions and did not qualify to receive the DME.
“As part of the nation’s health care system, Medicare serves vulnerable populations,” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Today’s arrests by HHS-OIG agents and our law enforcement partners show that we will not tolerate criminals who engage in fraudulent schemes which deplete the Medicare program of funds which are destined for our elderly population, in order to enrich themselves.”“We are proud to be a part of the federal team that brought these defendants to justice for defrauding the Medicare program and exploiting the elderly," said Thomas O'Donnell, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General's New York Regional Office which also covers Puerto Rico. "Arresting owners and providers, freezing their assets and prosecuting them to the fullest extent possible, are some of the tools that the federal government has available, and will be utilized to remove these individuals from participating in the Medicare program.”
“Health Care fraud is a priority for the FBI and we will continue to attack it vigorously, in partnership with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the United States Attorney's Office (USAO), District of Puerto Rico. Consequences of Health Care Fraud include higher health insurance costs paid for by the taxpayers,” stated Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Juan Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Health Care Fraud Coordinator and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace A. Bustelo. If found guilty, the defendants could face a possible sentence of (10) years in prison for the Health Care Fraud offense and a fine of up to $250,000. A criminal indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
62 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of AreciboRead the Press Release
Defendants facing two narcotics forfeiture allegations of ten and five million dollars in two separate indictments
SAN JUAN, PR – Yesterday, a federal grand jury indicted 62 individuals in four separate indictments as the result of investigations led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The United States Postal Inspectors and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bureau also participated during the investigation and the arrests.
The first indictment charges 44 individuals in a six-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Trina Padilla de Sanz, Bella Vista, Ramón Marín Solà and Manuel Zeno Gandía Public Housing Projects (collectively referred to as “El Cotto”) in the municipality of Arecibo. The object of the conspiracy was to distribute “crack” (cocaine base), cocaine, marihuana and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) at “El Cotto” and in other areas nearby within the municipality of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, for significant financial gain and profit.
According to the indictment, from on or about the year 2004, the defendants conspired to purchase wholesale quantities of cocaine, heroin, marihuana and Xanax in order to distribute the same in street quantity amounts at the different drug points in “El Cotto” and in other areas of Arecibo. The main leader of the organization was Héctor Miranda-Rivera, aka “Ufo.” The other leaders were: Miguel Villanueva Lorenzo, aka “Tatito;” Fabian López-Mercado, aka “Fabi;” Eduardo Serrano-Rodríguez, aka “Eduard Dientu;” José Romàn-Rodríguez, aka “Chonono;” Esteban León-Mundo, aka “Steven;” Reynaldo Martínez-Gonzàlez, aka “Reysito;” Luis Pérez-Orta, aka “Gemi;” Edwin Olmo-Rodríguez, aka “Poco Pello;” Yamil Ocasio-Gonzàlez; and Harry Reyes-Estremera, aka “Grilli.”According to the indictment, the 44 co-conspirators had many roles, in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. These were: 11 leaders; drug owners; three suppliers; four runners; six enforcers; 19 sellers and one facilitator. The defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of 10 million dollars.
Count six of the indictment charges López-Mercado and Alejandro Pérez-Gonzàlez with knowingly and intentionally using a communication facility, that is the United States Postal Service, to facilitate the commission of acts constituting a felony - trafficking marihuana.
The second indictment charges 16 individuals in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Antonio Màrquez Arbona Public Housing Project, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority and other areas nearby and within the municipality of Arecibo. According to the indictment, from on or about the year 2004, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, marihuana and Xanax at the Housing Project for significant financial gain and profit.The indictment alleges that, as part of the manner and means of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators would routinely possess, carry, brandish and use firearms to protect themselves and their drug trafficking organization. The 16 co-conspirators had many roles, in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. These were: four leaders-Luis Díaz-Natal, aka “Chencho;” Jesús Acosta-Millet, aka “Lalo;” Juan Pérez-Morales, aka “Charry,” “Joker;” and Jorge Sànchez-Pérez, aka “Joey;” drug owners; two runners; enforcers; 10 sellers and facilitators. The defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of five million dollars.
Defendants Jorge Cintrón-Cordero, aka “Ogy” and Edwin De León-Ithier, aka “Edwin Trabuco” are charged in two separate indictments for knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute crack.
“These arrests confirm the Justice Department’s commitment to hold ruthless drug traffickers responsible for selling narcotics and promoting the violence we are seeing in our communities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue with our efforts of investigating and prosecuting drug trafficking organizations, until we have covered every municipality in Puerto Rico.”
“These arrests stand as a warning to those individuals whose greed drives them to pollute our communities and schools with poisonous drugs. Our message to drug vendors and those responsible for the loss of innocent by standards – deal at your own risk. We are going to continue investigating those who have no respect for life and maintain our communities captives.” said Pedro Janer, DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Caribbean Division.
“The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to protect the US Mail from criminal misuse. We remain vigilant and continue to work to ensure those who utilize the US Mail as a means to transport contraband are brought before justice,” said Delany De León, Team Leader Postal Inspector, USPIS Newark Division/ San Juan Field Office. “Today we can see the results of our vigilance, our efforts, and our law enforcement partnerships. We have successfully identified, disrupted, and dismantled another dangerous Drug Trafficking Organization.”
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Narcotics Unit Timothy Henwood.
If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of ten (10) years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, with fines of up to $10 million. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
31 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of CanovanasRead the Press Release
Defendants facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of one million dollars
SAN JUAN, PR – On March 7, 2013, a federal grand jury indicted 31 individuals as a result of an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The defendants are charged in a five-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public or private school and/or playground. The object of the conspiracy was to distribute “crack” (cocaine base), cocaine and marihuana at the San Isidro Ward, including but not limited to the drug points located at Monte Verde, Villa Hugo and Las Casitas sectors, and in other areas nearby within the Municipality of Canovanas, Puerto Rico, for significant financial gain and profit.
According to the indictment, from on or about the year 2007, the defendants conspired to purchase wholesale quantities of cocaine and marihuana in order to distribute the same in street quantity amounts in different areas of the Municipality of Canovanas. The main leader of the organization was Miguel Canales-Villalongo, aka “Buby,” “El Boss.” The other leaders were: José A. Rivera-Ayala, aka “Joito;” Luis M. De Jesús-López, aka “Willo;” Raymond E. Hiraldo-Figueroa; Juan C. Ortega-Rivera, aka “Kili” and Jorge Quiñonez-Osorio, aka “Jorgito.”According to the indictment, the 31 co-conspirators had many roles, in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. These were: six leaders; one enforcer; three runners; 21 sellers; drug processors, look-outs and facilitators.
The indictment alleges that, as part of the manner and means of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators would commit home invasions, robberies and other violent acts against residents of the San Isidro Ward in order to intimidate and make them abandon their homes. Afterwards, they would invade and take over those properties in order to use them for their drug trafficking activities. It was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that some members of the drug trafficking organization would routinely possess, carry, brandish and use firearms to protect themselves and their drug trafficking organization. Twelve members of the drug trafficking organization are facing one count for using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
“The efforts of the federal and state law enforcement agencies resulted in the dismantling of a violent criminal organization which held various communities hostage through its drug trafficking activities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests validate the Justice Department’s commitment to hold ruthless drug traffickers responsible for selling narcotics and promoting the rampant violence we are seeing in our communities.”
Pedro Janer, DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Caribbean Division stated: “The joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Puerto Rico Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office, has led to the arrest of these violent drug dealers who do not have any respect for the life of innocent people.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alberto López-Rocafort.
If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of ten (10) years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, with fines of up to $10 million. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Yabucoa Resident Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Carlos López-Roldan, 30, was arrested in Caguas on child pornography charges following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and officers assigned to the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF) from the Puerto Rico Police Department, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The defendant was arrested after an HSI investigation revealed that he allegedly used a video recording device to produce nude images of a 12-year-old girl identified as Jane Doe. The HSI investigation stemmed from a Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) referral on Friday afternoon alerting HSI that an individual, later identified as López-Roldan, had allegedly recorded a female minor with a hidden camera in the bathroom of the victim.
López-Roldan had his initial hearing before US Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin on Monday March 11, 2013. He was transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico while he awaits a hearing to determine bail, if any.
“With the recent spate of child exploitation cases, it is apparent that people are missing the message. If you exploit children by taking images of them engaging in sexually explicit conduct, you will be caught and prosecuted,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez.
“This case demonstrates that there are serious consequences for producing illegal images of innocent children being sexually exploited and traumatized,” said Angel Melendez, acting special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. “ICE will continue to work with our state, local and other federal law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate child predators and ensure that they feel the full weight of the law.”
In response to the need for an island-wide approach to fighting the escalation of predatory crimes against children, HSI San Juan partnered with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state government officials and community leaders, to form PRCACTF in June 2011.
Through PRCACTF, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together with local and state government agencies to effectively pool their resources to jointly investigate all crimes against children in Puerto Rico. Through the task force, law enforcement officers are encouraged to share evidence, ideas, and investigative and forensic tools to ensure the most successful prosecutions possible. As such, PRCACTF allows law enforcement to speak with one unified voice in defense of the children of Puerto Rico.
This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.
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Special Agent for Hacienda Sentenced to 18 Months Incarceration for Bribing an Hacienda Tax AuditorRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Ricardo Fernàndez-Ramos was sentenced to 18 months incarceration, followed by three years supervised release, and 200 hours of unpaid community service by United States District Court Judge Carmen Consuelo Cerezo for bribing one of his colleagues at the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“Hacienda”), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. At the time of his arrest on public corruption charges, back in July of 2011, Fernàndez-Ramos held the position of Special Agent for the Department of Hacienda assigned to the Tax Crimes Division in the Mayagüez District where he was responsible for investigating tax evasion crimes committed against the Government of Puerto Rico.
The Indictment in this case charged that from approximately September 2010 through December 2010, Fernàndez-Ramos corruptly gave, offered, and agreed to give a thing of value, namely $12,500 in cash, to an Hacienda tax auditor for the purpose of influencing and rewarding her in relation to an audit that she was conducting on the 2008 and 2009 individual tax returns of an Isabela business owner.
As part of his plea agreement with the United States government, Fernàndez-Ramos was permitted to argue for a sentence as low as probation, while the United States reserved the right to argue for a sentence as high as 18 months incarceration. During the sentencing hearing, the government argued that this was a classic case of public corruption and that a sentence of probation would send the wrong message to the community at large—a message that indeed Puerto Rico was the “Isla de Chanchullo,” or “Island of Deceit.” In the end, the Court stated for the record that the reasons presented by the defense in favor of a sentence of probation fell well short of their mark. Instead, the Court ruled that, given the facts of this case, incarceration was the more appropriate sentence. The Court granted Fernàndez-Ramos until April 1, 2013, to voluntarily surrender himself to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan.
“This case should serve as a stark reminder to everyone that if you engage in public corruption and steal from the Government of Puerto Rico, you should plan on spending the next few years of your life in a Federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. The Puerto Rico community can rest assured that the investigation and prosecution of public corruption crimes is one of the highest priorities of the United States Department of Justice.”
“Combating public corruption is a priority for the FBI in San Juan,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and bring to justice any public official who abuses the public's trust and use their position for personal gain”.
83 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of San JuanRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – On March 1st, 2012, a federal grand jury returned two separate indictments against 83 individuals as a result of two investigations led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
According to the first indictment, 41 defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute “crack” (cocaine base,) heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax). The object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the Dr. López Sicardó Public Housing Project and other areas nearby and within the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for significant financial gain. The main leader of the organization was Gregorio Cardenas-Marquez, (aka “Tio”, “Gre”), who directly controlled the drug trafficking activities. Cardenas- Marquez also purchased and transported wholesale amounts of narcotics that were delivered to co-conspirators for further distribution at the drug points.
The 41 co-conspirators had many roles, in order to further the goals of the conspiracy, including: one leader, six drug point owners (including the leader), one supplier, two enforcers, four runners, 25 sellers and three facilitators.
It was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that a co-conspirator prepared and possessed a list of the rules that were to be followed at all times by the members of the drug trafficking organization. The rules included the following: shifts were not to be changed without authorization; those who were not scheduled to work should not show up at the drug point; look-outs had to be paid for their work; all members should have a scanner; a maximum of two “materials” (narcotics) should be distributed at each drug point; customers should be allowed to request what narcotics they want to purchase, without taking money from their hands; and members of the organization were not allowed to fight against each other.
It was further a part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that during the course of the conspiracy, basketball games were organized by the co-conspirators in which the teams of various drug points were identified by the same color used to label the drugs or “material” that they worked with or owned. In addition, the members of the drug trafficking organization would possess, carry, use, brandish and/or use firearms in order to protect themselves and their drug trafficking business. Ten members of the drug trafficking organization are facing one count for using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The second indictment charges 42 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute “crack” (cocaine base,) heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax). The object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the Los Peña Public Housing Project and other areas nearby and within the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for significant financial gain. The main leader of the organization was Evelio Rosario-Rosado, aka “Casper”, “Cuquito”, “Cuqui”, “El Boss”.
The 42 co-conspirators had many roles, in order to further the goals of the conspiracy, including: one leader, four drug point owners (including the leader), four runners, 29 sellers and five facilitators. Eight members of the drug trafficking organization are facing one count for using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Both drug trafficking organizations face a narcotics forfeiture allegation of 10 million dollars.
“The criminal activity laid out in these indictments is extensive, however, our commitment to continue our fight against these offenders is unwavering,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This extensive investigation has taken dangerous drug traffickers off our streets, and they will face justice for their crimes.”
“Today’s arrests stand as a warning to those individuals whose greed drives them to pollute our streets and schools with poisonous contraband. Our message to drug vendors is – deal at your own risk. We are going to find you and you are going pay a severe and certain penalty in federal court,” said Pedro Janer, DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Caribbean Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Zapata-Valladares.
If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of ten (10) years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, with fines of up to $10 million. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
42 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of San JuanRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – On February 26, 2013, a federal grand jury indicted 42 individuals as a result of an investigation led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The following agencies collaborated during the arrests: DEA, FBI, ATF, CBP, San Juan and Guaynabo Municipal Police.
The defendants are charged in a six-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in a federally protected location, conspiracy to distribute heroin, “crack” (cocaine base), cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone, (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam, (commonly known as Xanax). The object of the conspiracy was to distribute controlled substances at the Ernesto Ramos Antonini Public Housing Project and other areas nearby within the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for significant financial gain and profit.
According to the indictment, from on or about the year 2005, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute narcotics. The main leader of the organization was Raymond Cruz-Serrano, aka “R.” He controlled and supervised the drug trafficking operations at the drug points. Cruz-Serrano was the owner of the marihuana sold at $6 and crack. He also acted as an enforcer.According to the indictment, the 42 co-conspirators had many roles, in order to further the goals of the conspiracy. These were: one leader; three managers; five drug owners; one enforcer; seven runners; 23 sellers and two lookouts.
The defendants are: [1] Raymond Cruz-Serrano A/K/A“R”; [2] Ricardo Cruz-Serrano A/K/A “Chino”; [3] Reynaldo Cruz-Robles A/K/A “Naldy”, “J”; [4] Sheila Matos-Sandoval A/K/A “Mulan”; [5] Nelson Benitez-Benitez A/K/A “Pepon”; [6] Christian De Jesús-Benitez A/K/A “7 Pies”; [7] Ángel D. Olmo-Díaz A/K/A “Pollo”; [8] Nicolas Marrero-Matos A/K/A “Nick”, “Nicky”, “Cascon”; [9] Carlos Cruz-Centeno A/K/A “Motorita”; [10] Victor Vega-Sterling A/K/A “Goliath”; [11] Luz V. Romero-Vaello A/K/A “Lucy”, “Travesti”; [12] Gustavo Baez-Castro A/K/A “De La Guetto”, “De La Guizzu”; [13] Luis J. Pizarro-Ortiz A/K/A “Negro, “Loiza”; [14] Ángel Pacheco-Rodríguez A/K/A “Pacheco”, “Viejo”; [15] José R. Levy-Díaz A/K/A “Ricardo”, “Ricardito, “Simio”, “Chorro”; [16] Willie Ray Torres-Reyes A/K/A “Tiburon”; [17] Jesús Martínez-Nieves A/K/A “Goku”, “Cocoon”; [18] Héctor L. Gonzàlez-Castro A/K/A “Chucky”, “Bla-Bla”; [19] Melvin Martínez-Santiago A/K/A “Emba”; [20] Christopher Isaac-Nieves A/K/A “Güimo”; [21] Josean Torres-Reyes A/K/A “Menor”; [22] José L. Sànchez-Ortiz A/K/A “Martillo”; [23] Ian E. Huertas-Santiago A/K/A “Clark”; [24] Rafael Vàzquez-Nieves A/K/A “Nene”; [25] Jordan Martínez-Santiago A/K/A “Yoyo”; [26] Juan Morales-Vàzquez A/K/A “Dino”; [27] Victor N. López A/K/A “Nano”; [28] David Baez-García A/K/A “Blower”; [29] Joel Hernàndez-Nieves A/K/A “Casper”; [30] Jaime Salgado-Pabon A/K/A “Gringo”; [31] Wilfredo Jiménez-Torres A/K/A “Arcangel”, Wilfre; [32] Samuel Hernàndez-Nieves A/K/A “Sammy”; [33] Luis O. Martínez-Nieves A/K/A “Pooh”; [34] Alberto De Jesús-Santiago A/K/A “Carlitos”; [35] Jervesh Alvarado-Ortiz; [36] Luis Rodríguez-Dàvila A/K/A “Gordo”, “Lagrima”; [37] Daniel Duran-Cruz A/K/A “Danny”; [38] Juan Medina-López A/K/A “Juano”; [39] Antonio J. Rivera-Serrano A/K/A “Blanquito”; [40] Ruben E. Castillo-Colón A/K/A “Indi”; [41] Eric Benitez-Fernàndez; and [42] Erick R. Negrón-Colón A/K/A “Cuca”.
It was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that the co-conspirators would conduct drug transactions in the presence of minors and would use and employ juveniles under the age of 18, to distribute narcotics at the drug distribution points located within the housing project. It was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that some members of the drug trafficking organization would routinely possess, carry, brandish and use firearms to protect themselves and their drug trafficking organization. Twenty-one members of the drug trafficking organization are facing one count for using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
“This investigation and today’s arrests have dismantled a violent criminal organization dedicated to polluting our neighborhoods with drugs,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to hold ruthless drug traffickers responsible for selling narcotics in our communities. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to bring these drug organizations to justice for the damage they inflict on our communities.”
“These arrests show HSI’s resolve to attack and dismantle the street gangs that are threatening and terrorizing our neighborhoods with violence,” said Ángel Meléndez, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “Nobody deserves to live in a community of violence and fear inflicted by unscrupulous gang members who have no respect for human life. Members of these gangs are institutionally involved in crime and so are their organizations. Through Operation Caribbean Resilience, HSI will continue to conduct aggressive enforcement actions against members and associates of violent gangs in an effort to return to the citizens in Puerto Rico the peace and safety they deserve.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney César Rivera-Giraud.
If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of ten (10) years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, with fines of up to $10 million. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Four Individuals Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday evening, February 21, 2013, a Federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Luis Francisco Alicea-Colón, Pedro Carlos Calderón-Andino, Astrid Martínez-Valentin, and Karen Coralis Torres-Ilarraza with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF and the Carolina Drug Unit of the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD).
On February 20, 2013, members of the PRPD Carolina Drug Unit executed a state search warrant in a residence located in sector Roberto Resto, in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. The defendants were present at the location when agents were conducting the search. The following items were found during the search: an AK-47, ammunitions, a bullet proof vest, a money counting machine, and three bags with marijuana.
The PRPD officers contacted the Federal agents, pursuant to the provisions of the interagency “Illegal Firearms and Violent Crimes Initiative”. All four subjects were taken into custody by the FBI and later charged. If convicted, the individuals face up to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for the drug charges, and from 5 years to life in prison for the firearms violation.
“These arrests should send a message to those involved in drug trafficking. We will continue working with our state and local partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for selling narcotics in Puerto Rico, and who contribute to the violence and criminal activity in the island.” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
“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.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alberto López-Rocafort and Special Assistant United States Attorney Normary Figueroa-Rijo. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Sixty Year Old Individual Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico —U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, and officers assigned to the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force (PRCACTF) arrested a Las Piedras resident Tuesday for production of child pornography.
Andrés Ruiz-Huertas, 60, was arrested after a referral from the Puerto Rico Police Department to HSI led to the execution of a search warrant during which several digital electronic storage devices were seized. A preliminary analysis of the materials seized revealed sexually explicit videos of Ruiz-Huertas engaging in sexual acts with multiple minors.
According to one female minor victim, on February 18, 2013, defendant Andres Ruiz- Huertas, who she previously knew from the Las Piedras area, picked her up at the Fajardo Ferry port to drive her to her mother’s residence at Las Piedras, PR. On the way to her mother’s residence, Ruiz-Huertas told the victim that he had previously engaged in sexual intercourse with three of her female minor friends. Ruiz-Huertas also told her that he had also engaged in sexual acts with two other minors whom he identified. He then proceeded to show the victim sexually explicit images from a phone described by the minor as a black iPhone with a black cover that he utilized as his personal phone.
The defendant then took the victim to his office, showed her sexually explicit images on his computer and purportedly sexually assaulted her. Once he dropped her off at her residence, she told her mother what had happened and together they filed a formal complaint with the Puerto Rico Police Department.
Ruiz-Huertas was transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo awaiting the outcome of his case. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years incarceration and a possible maximum statutory sentence of 30 years incarceration.
“The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Project Safe Childhood, will continue prosecuting sexual predators of minors,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodriguez. “The US Attorney’s Office, along with law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico, will continue to track down these criminals, arrest them and bring them to justice,” said US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
“All children have an absolute right to grow up free from the fear of sexual exploitation,” said Angel Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “HSI relentlessly pursues predators who sexually abuse children, whether that abuse is physical in nature or if it's accomplished by exploiting their images. HSI will not tolerate such despicable crimes. Our agents will continue to police cyberspace and target those who exploit the most vulnerable segment of our society -- our children.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal D. Morgan.
In response to the need for an island-wide approach to fighting the escalation of predatory crimes against children, HSI San Juan partnered with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state government officials and community leaders, to form PRCACTF in June 2011.
Through PRCACTF, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies work together with local and state government agencies to effectively pool their resources to jointly investigate all crimes against children in Puerto Rico. Through the task force, law enforcement officers are encouraged to share evidence, ideas, and investigative and forensic tools to ensure the most successful prosecutions possible. As such, PRCACTF allows law enforcement to speak with one unified voice in defense of the children of Puerto Rico.
This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
Jose E. Toledo-Bayouth Arrested for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, United States Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin authorized a criminal complaint against José E. Toledo-Bayouth for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
According to the criminal complaint, on or about January 10, 2013, Toledo-Bayouth met a confidential source in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, for the purpose of negotiating the purchase of multiple kilograms of cocaine for delivery in Puerto Rico and its subsequent resale in the Continental United States. Several meetings took place between the confidential source and Toledo-Bayouth between January 10, 2013 and February 9, 2013 in locations throughout the San Juan metropolitan area, where they discussed the conditions for the purchase of approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine.
During the meetings, Toledo-Bayouth offered his late father’s farm located in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico as a location to stash and conceal multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine. Toledo-Bayouth indicated that the farm was equipped with empty water tanks which could be used to store drugs. The defendant also indicated to the confidential source not to worry about the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”) because the PRPD could only enter the first part of the farm and the security systems installed therein made it impossible for PRPD to access the main house in the farm.
On February 9, 2013, the defendant agreed to receive the 25 kilograms of cocaine from the confidential source on February 13, 2013, right outside of the front gate to the farm. Toledo-Bayouth was then to transport the 25 kilograms of cocaine to an unknown subject who was going to be waiting for the contraband inside of the farm, and Toledo-Bayouth would make a payment to the confidential source for the 25 kilograms of cocaine within five days of the delivery of the contraband.
On February 13, 2013, the defendantmet the confidential source right outside of the front gate to the farm and received a bag containing 25 kilograms of purported cocaine. He was then followed by the DEA agents into the farm and placed under arrest.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dennise N. Longo. If convicted the defendant could face up to life in prison. Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Pastor from Ponce Arrested Federally for Transportation of Minors with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. –Nelson Santiago-Colón, a Pastor for the Iglesia Cristiana Peniel, located in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, was arrested today by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and the Puerto Rico Police Department on charges related to the transportation of minors with the intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
On or about January 18, 2013, after an exhaustive investigation by local authorities, Nelson Santiago-Colón, was arrested by the Police of Puerto Rico on charges of sexual aggression of minors, lascivious acts and child abuse, and was granted bail in the amount of $110,000 by Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge Sheila Díaz. Shortly after the defendant posted bail, Puerto Rico Department of Justice officials contacted Federal authorities to charge Santiago-Colón under the laws of the United States. Immediately, special agents from HSI, together with federal prosecutors, began interviewing the victims from the local case.
As a result of such investigation by Federal authorities, today, agents from HSI, the Police of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, arrested Nelson Santiago-Colón, 47, on Federal charges of transporting three minor males to his home where he sexually assaulted and committed lewd and lascivious act on them.According to the three-count complaint, Santiago-Colón is charged with transportation of minors with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. In Counts I and II, Santiago-Colon is charged with having transported a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy from the Iglesia Cristiana Peniel in Santa Isabel to his home in Ponce, Puerto Rico for the purpose of committing sexual assault and lewd acts with the minors. Count III charges Santiago-Colón with transporting a 14-year-old minor from his home to the home of the defendant with the intent to perform lewd acts on the minor.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshal D. Morgan is in charge of the prosecution. Moreover, in recognition of the exhaustive investigation conducted by the local authorities in this case, Puerto Rico Department of Justice prosecutor Camilie Soto has been invited to act as a Special Assistant United States Attorney to assist AUSA Morgan with the Federal prosecution of this case.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of incarceration of ten years and a possible maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment.
“This is a flagship case to demonstrate the excellent cooperation that exists between local and Federal authorities in Puerto Rico,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The public should be aware that there are two sovereigns out there watching over their children. If a situation like this one presents itself, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not hesitate to work together with local authorities to maximize our joint prosecutorial resources and bring to justice those who believe they can molest our children with impunity.
“Anyone who targets children for sexual exploitation should also consider themselves a target by HSI and by our law enforcement partners,” said Ángel Meléndez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “HSI aggressively uses its investigative authorities to protect our communities from those who seek to sexually exploit children for their perverse gratification. We have an obligation to protect those most vulnerable in our society who cannot protect themselves.”
Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
7 Individuals Indicted for Violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, PR – Today, a federal grand jury charged seven (7) individuals for RICO Act conspiracy as a result of an investigation by US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendants are charged in a ten-count second superseding indictment with: violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, committing Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Activity, use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, drive-by shooting, and possession of a machine gun.
On August 15, 2012, the defendants were originally charged on a six (6) count indictment with, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, use of firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence, and possession of machine guns, and other related offenses.
As part of the manner and means of the conspiracy to commit violations to the RICO Act, the defendants and co-conspirators purchased kilogram quantities of marihuana in the Continental United States and then shipped the marihuana to Puerto Rico using the U.S. Mail, to be distributed by members of the criminal organization. It is further alleged that the defendants and co-conspirators used the profits from the marihuana sales to purchase weapons, ammunition and other materials in order to commit violent acts against rival drug trafficking organizations.
The second superseding indictment includes allegations of five (5) murders and two (2) attempted murders, all committed by members of this organization. These acts are as follows:
- On or about February 16, 2010, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, defendants [1] José Babilonia-Torres, aka “Bochi;” [4] Victor Real-Alomar, aka “Tostón;” and [5] José Gonzàlez-Bernard, aka “el Mudo,” aka “Tio,” shot and killed Frankie Rodríguez-Ornedo, aka “Periquito.”
- On or about August 18, 2010, in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, defendant [5] Gonzàlez-Bernard shot and killed Luis Rodríguez-Rodríguez, aka “Gaby.”
- In or about 2010, in Puerto Rico, defendants [1] Babilonia-Torres and [5] Gonzàlez-Bernard shot and attempted to kill José Cintron-Otero, aka “Checko.”
- On or about March 18, 2011, in Dorado, Puerto Rico, defendants [2] Irving Melecio-Ramírez, aka “Gordo;” [3] Xavier Melecio Ramírez, aka “Xavo;” [4] Victor Real-Alomar, aka “Tostón;” [5] Gonzàlez-Bernard; [6] Félix A. Hernàndez-Burgos, aka “Bonito Pelo” or “Anthony” and [7] Alexis Hernàndez-Burgos, aka “Chucho” or “Chicho,” shot and killed Rolando Torres-Crespo, aka “Nandy” and Dimaries Broco-Irizarry. Dimaries Broco-Irizarry was an attorney and was an innocent victim of the drive-by shooting committed by the defendants on the highway near Dorado, Puerto Rico.
- On or about June 7, 2011, in Puerto Rico, defendant [5] Gonzàlez-Bernard, aiding and abetting others, killed José Espinal-Lorenzo, aka “Chelo.”
- On or about June 28, 2011, in Manatí, Puerto Rico, defendant [1] Babilonia-Torres, shot and attempted to kill Jonathan Ortiz-Salgado, aka “Cochinola.”
Six of the defendants involved in the murders and attempted murders are eligible for the death penalty. The remainder of the defendants who are part of the conspiracy and participated in its criminal acts include: Pablo Echevarría-Rodríguez; José Acevedo-Vélez, aka “Chapo;” Brian Osoria-Padilla; Orlando Félix-Negrón, aka “Orly,” Nelson Alonso-Galarza; and Pedro Javier Hernàndez-Sosa.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Martin from the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section.
The defendants who are not eligible for the death penalty are facing up to 40 years or life in prison. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Four (4) Members of an International Drug Trafficking Organization Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Import 146 Kilograms of Cocaine and 8 Kilograms of Heroin into Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. - Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico announced that yesterday, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Manuel Liriano-De la Cruz, José Pena-Santo, Jonathan Martinez, and José Ramón Vicente-Arias for Conspiring to Import Drugs into the United States and Conspiring to Possess Drugs in a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States. Liriano-De la Cruz and Pena-Santo were also found guilty of being aliens attempting to illegally re-enter into the United States after having been removed from the United States. All four (4), members of an international drug trafficking organization based in the Dominican Republic, attempted to introduce a load of 146 kilograms of cocaine and 8 kilograms of heroin, with a street value of 3.2 million dollars into Puerto Rico. Two (2) other defendants, Alejandro Difot-Santos and Carlos De la Cruz-Sànchez pled guilty, the day before the trial was scheduled to begin.
The evidence at trial showed that the drug traffickers departed from the Dominican Republic in a yawl carrying the load of drugs contained in six bags wrapped with duct tape. The yawl was detected in the late evening and early morning hours by law enforcement heading in a track line towards the coast of Puerto Rico. Air and marine units from the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB), U.S. Coast Guard and FURA from the Puerto Rico Police Department were launched to intercept the yawl. A fast boat from the U.S. Coast Guard arrived and detained the yawl, along with the six subjects onboard, approximately four (4) nautical miles off the coast of Dorado in U.S. customs waters. A fixed wing aircraft from CAMB observed the individuals onboard the yawl throwing the bales containing the load of drugs into the water. A CAMB helicopter illuminated the debris field which allowed the FURA marine unit to recover the heavy packages before they sank.
This case shows the commitment of federal and state authorities to work together against the drug trafficking organizations that attempt to use our coasts for the importation of drugs into the United States.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney US Coast Guard Lieutenant Kelley Tiffany and Assistant United States Attorney Carlos R. Cardona from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
Two Individuals Arrested for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On January 2, 2013, United States Magistrate Judge Sylvia Carreño-Coll authorized a criminal complaint against Jose De Leon and Wilson Consencion for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Caribbean Border Interagency Group (CBIG) law enforcement authorities, working in support of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force (CCSF), arrested the two smugglers, seized a go-fast vessel and a 40-bale shipment of cocaine in waters south of Puerto Rico on Sunday, December 30, 2012. The drug shipment was estimated to have a street value of over $29 million dollars.
The defendants, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed together and with each other, and with other persons known and unknown, to commit the following offense against the United States: to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, that is, a vessel without nationality as defined by Title 46, United States Code, Section 70502(c)(A). The District of Puerto Rico was the first point where the defendants entered the United States after the commission of the offense.
“This is another example of the success of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force Initiative,” 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 in flagrant disregard of our laws try to smuggle illegal contraband into our jurisdiction.”
“This is the third major cocaine shipment this Holiday season in the Sector San Juan area of responsibility in which the Coast Guard and Caribbean regional law enforcement partners have collectively detained a total of three vessels, six smugglers and kept over 4,847 pounds of cocaine from reaching criminal hands,” said Coast Guard Capt. Drew Pearson, Sector San Juan Commander. “Our efforts to stem the flow of drugs into Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as far off shore as possible is unwavering and will reduce crime across the region.”
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Tiffany. If convicted the defendants could face up to life in prison. Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
In July 2006, CBIG was formally created to unify efforts of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Attorney‘s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid action (FURA) in their common goal of securing the borders of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands against illegal migrant and drug smuggling.
CCSF is an initiative of the U.S. Attorney's Office created to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Caribbean. CCSF is part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and 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 ICE-HSI, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, DEA, FBI, the Coast Guard, CBP and PRPD's Joint Forces for Rapid Action.