District of Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, P.R. – On February 28, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Héctor Sánchez-Morales for kidnapping, harboring of an illegal alien, and extortion, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.

The indictment alleges that on February 3, in the District of Puerto Rico, Héctor Sánchez-Morales did unlawfully and willfully seize, confine, and hold for ransom A.G., an adult female, and in furtherance of the commission of the offense, used a telephone and vehicle, facilities of interstate commerce. On February 3, 2019, A.G., a citizen from the Dominican Republic, arrived at Rincón, Puerto Rico, by boat, and entered the island illegally. After A.G. disembarked the boat, defendant Sánchez-Morales approached her and offered to help her if she went with him. A.G. agreed and the defendant transported her to his house in Añasco, Puerto Rico. After A.G. bathed, Sánchez-Morales raped her twice.

After Sánchez-Morales sexually assaulted A.G., he kept her against her will until the next day, when he told her that she needed to leave by that evening, or else he would kill her. The defendant also demanded that she call her friends so they could pay him money for her release. Later that evening A.G.’s friends arrived to the agreed upon place with the defendant, paid him $400, and he released the victim to her friends. After a few days of investigation, the FBI arrested Sánchez-Morales.

The defendant is facing one count for harboring an illegal alien. On February 3, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien, A.G., had entered and remained in the United States in violation of law, Sánchez-Morales concealed, harbored, and shielded A.G. from detection for private financial gain, and in doing so caused her serious bodily injury. Sánchez-Morales is also facing one count for extortion for requesting and receiving U.S. Currency as ransom and reward for the release of his victim whom he had kidnapped.

“The FBI is actively investigating all cases involving human trafficking or kidnappings in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands regardless of the immigration status of the victims,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office” “Public tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information on human trafficking or other federal crimes are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to submit tips through the FBI’s tip line available on our website at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon, Deputy Chief, Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge, up to 20 years for harboring an alien, and up to five years for extortion. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 27, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Yadiel José Mangual (a resident of Florida with family ties to Puerto Rico) for mailing firearms from Florida to Puerto Rico illegally, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was a joint effort between the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbaco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Mangual is facing five counts including Conspiracy to Deliver firearms and Ammunition to a Common Carrier without Notification (18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 922(e)), Delivery of Firearms to a Common Carrier without Written Notification (18 U.S.C. § 922(e)), and violating 18 U.S.C § 1715 which declares firearms as nonmailable.

As part of a coordinated operation, USPIS along with ATF identified package containing firearms sent through the mail from Florida to Puerto Rico. A federal search warrant was obtained for the subject package, which was wrapped in decorative gift-wrapping with the word “baby” written across the wrapping in various colors. Inside the package, federal agents found one Glock pistol, one AR type pistol, three .40 caliber magazines, rounds of .40 caliber ammunition and .223 caliber ammunition, and one (1) dual 5.56 caliber drum magazine. The investigation revealed that Yadiel José Mangual, and other unknown individuals, conspired to mail firearms from Florida to Puerto Rico. Specifically, Mangual mailed, from Tampa, Florida to addresses in Puerto Rico, two packages containing firearms. He then flew to Puerto Rico where he planned to retrieve the packages and deliver the firearms to others. One of those packages was intercepted by USPS, leading to Mangual’s arrest.

“We will vigorously prosecute those involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms, which are subsequently used in the commission of violent crimes,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We will continue working with the all law enforcement authorities to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, who all too frequently endanger our community.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanette Collazo is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces up to two (2) years in prison for the charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1715; and five (5) years in prison for the charges under 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 922(e)). An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Today, United States Magistrate Judge Marcos López authorized a criminal complaint against Kevin Hassan Prósperes-Sosa, charging him for cyberstalking and threatening interstate communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 2261A(2), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c), announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department.

According to the information contained in a criminal complaint, on or about January 13, 2019, an adult female’s (AF #1) 17-year-old minor daughter was grabbed by the arm by Prósperes-Sosa, while she was walking on the street on the way home from buying school supplies. The minor ran to her house, where the defendant followed her and observed as she entered the house.

On or about January 15, 2019, AF #1 presented a formal police complaint against Prósperes-Sosa, and AF #1 was subpoenaed for February 27, 2019 to be interviewed. On January 16 and 17, 2019, AF #1 observed Prósperes-Sosa standing in front of her house staring at her residence. As a result of this, AF #1 obtained a temporary restraining order from the Municipal Court of Ciales on January 24, 2019.

On February 24, 2019, AF #1 received several simultaneous messages. When she went over to her phone, she saw a Facebook friend invite from a “Kevin Prosperes,” and several Facebook Messenger messages from the same person in Spanish. A preliminary translation of this Facebook message is: “Hello, I sent you a Request fucking Bitch, you think that you know Bitch, that you reported me, but I swear to you that I am going to kill you and I am going to take your daughters and I am going to rape them, because nobody fucks with me, piece of Asshole, when I take them, specially the one with the blue hair, it’s going to be a pity, I am going to rape them until I can’t any longer and I am going to make them disappear.”

The messages were followed by a picture of Prósperes-Sosa’s full naked body in front of a mirror. After the photo, the defendant continued writing “This is what I am going to stick to your daughter, my dick, but first I will kill you because nobody fucks with me, who do you think you are Bitch”.

During this same period, on February 2, 2019, a 14-year-old female minor (FM#1) received several text messages from the same number, stating in part: I want your ass…I know where you study…I will eat your ass…I know why…call…let’s fuck, Joel.

“The threats conveyed in Prósperes-Sosa’s internet and electronic messages caused these victims substantial harm and anguish,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Through the tireless work of investigators, over the last 24 hours we have been able to identify and contact several victims of this man’s cyberstalking. This investigation is ongoing, and federal authorities will continue to prosecute those who use social media to threaten innocent victims with violent acts.”

“Victimizing someone, particularly a child, from one’s computer or smartphone may seem easy and low-risk,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan.  “But my office will do everything in our power to raise the cost to those who engage in such despicable behavior. I cannot imagine the anguish suffered by those affected in this case but, at least, the prompt and decisive action of our agents have brought them some peace of mind knowing the perpetrator will behind bars for a long time.”

Special Assistant United States Attorney Cristina Caraballo and Deputy Chief of the Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation Unit, Nicholas Cannon, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Prósperes-Sosa faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years for each count, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On March 1st, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against five individuals for interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), carjacking, kidnapping, and possessing and brandishing a machinegun in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

The indictment alleges that on February 19, in the District of Puerto Rico, José González-Cirino; Carlos Diaz-Medina; Adlay De Aza-Casillas; Egadier Omar Díaz-Andrades; and Eddie Escalera-Martínez, conspired to unlawfully take motorcycles from Evinmotors, a company engaged in the retail sale of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, watercraft, and boats,  in the presence of a security guard, against his will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, by threatening the security guard with a firearm and tying him up inside his vehicle in an attempt to commit the robbery.

In their attempt to commit the robbery, the defendants, aiding and abetting each other, possessed and brandished firearms, and took  a white, four-door, 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage from the security guard, that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce -- by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. The defendants kidnapped the security guard by tying him up inside his vehicle while they drove around and tried to break into various warehouses to gain access to Evinmotors. Fortunately, the security guard was not harmed and defendants were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempted robbery. After alarms sounded, defendants fled the scene and were apprehended shortly thereafter by the Puerto Rico Police Department and the FBI, who are in charge of the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Henek. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Debido a recientes reportes en los medios sobre casos de acoso sexual contra menores, en particular por parte del individuo Kevin Prósperes Sosa en el municipio de Ciales, la Fiscal Federal Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez junto a la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE-HSI) y el FBI, exhortan a la comunidad a reportar cualquier incidente de acoso sexual hacia un menor bajo estricta confidencialidad, independientemente sea a través de un medio electrónico o de otra forma. Queremos que las víctimas de Prósperes Sosa lo denuncien lo antes posible; así podremos salvaguardar la seguridad de las jóvenes víctimas.

El acoso cibernético, en muchas de sus modalidades, constituye un crimen federal en contra del sector más vulnerable, nuestros niños, y es una prioridad detenerlo de forma inmediata.

Si tiene información sobre crímenes de acoso sexual y hostigamiento favor de llamar a ICE-HSI a 787-729-6969 ó 1-800-981-3030 o al FBI al 787-754-6000.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 20, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 75 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force, were in charge of the investigation. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2006, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador and Las Margaritas Public Housing Projects, and other areas, and within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds located in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit. The object of the conspiracy was the large-scale distribution of controlled substances for significant financial gain and profit. Members of the organization also possessed and distributed kilogram quantities of controlled substances, mainly cocaine, in Puerto Rico, for further distribution in the continental United States.

This drug trafficking organization was known as “Las FARC,” (Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cantera). Las FARC operated out of Barrio Obrero Ward, including but not limited to El Guano sector, Playita sector, William Street, Eleven Street, Cantera sector, and the Public Housing Projects Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador, and Las Margaritas, all located in Santurce, since in or about the year 2006. The goal of Las FARC was to maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities within the Santurce area by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation.

The 75 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, runners, suppliers, enforcers, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Twenty-seven defendants are also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

As part of the conspiracy, leaders and/or drug point owners of the drug trafficking organization would routinely authorize and instruct other co-conspirators to provide free “samples” of narcotics to “customers” in order to promote the sales of a specific brand of drug at the drug points. Some of the co-conspirators used different types of barricades or barriers, including but not limited to large water tanks, access control barriers and/or steel gate poles, in order to block off the streets that gave access to the drug points. These barriers would stop the entry of law enforcement agents and/or members of rival gangs. Members of the drug trafficking organization would often “abduct” and assault rival drug traffickers as well as members of their own drug trafficking organization, in order to intimidate and maintain control of the drug trafficking activities.

Some of the defendants used part of the proceeds of their illegal activities to purchase legitimate assets and/or services, including but not limited to real estate properties, nightclubs, motor vehicles, vessels, clothing, trips, hotel accommodations, and private parties.

The defendants indicted today are: Emmanuel Pacheco-Marín, a.k.a. “Bebo Las Farc/Manuel/Cabezon”; Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako”; Jesús J. Rivera-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Colombiano”; Jose L. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Luis A. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Elvin O. Cruz-Verges, a.k.a. “Mellao”; Segismar Rodríguez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Segis/Seji/Ceji/Segui”; Luis Serrano-Nieves, a.k.a. “Gordo Bemba”; Christian O. Dalmau-García, a.k.a. “Negro/Dalmau”; Fabián Viloria-Sepúlveda, a.k.a. “Fabi/Favi”; Anthony Vazquez-Arroyo, a.k.a. “Buri”; Luis R. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Espi/Luis Pinal/El Gordo”; Ignacio Gual-Calderón, a.k.a. “Papulin/Papu”; Jonathan Rivera-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Moto/Motito/Goldo/Motito Junior”; Samuel Castro-Rivera, a.k.a. “Sammy Loba”; Carlos H. Torres-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Hiram/Buba”; Joset J. Rivera-Verdejo, a.k.a. “Jomar”; Jason Arroyo-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chapu/El Gordo”; Jean Carlos Candelario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Yankee/El Flaco”; Nefty L. Oquendo-Rosario; Pedro Collazo-Prieto, a.k.a. “Pedrito”; José O. Baez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Bam Bam/Landi”; Edgar Nieves-Torres, a.k.a. “Bambi/Banb”; Jonathan O. Arce-Carrillo, a.k.a. “El Joyero/Jon El De Vista”; Gustavo J. Germes-Estrella, a.k.a. “Papo El Claro/Papo”; Dionicio Odali De La Rosa-Richiez, a.k.a. “Dioni”; Anthony González-Miranda, a.k.a. “Tony”; Carlos R. Nieves, a.k.a. “Carlitos Boada/Pablito”; John Blaymeyer-Quiñones, a.k.a. “Blade/Blay/Pichi”; Christian J. Castro-González, a.k.a. “Christian Poo”; Adams E. Aquino-Rosario, a.k.a. “Pirobo”; Alexis Fermaintt-Caraballo; Christian J. Sierra-Pérez, a.k.a. “Bampi/Vampi”; Victor Rivera-Galindez, a.k.a. “Bin Laden”; Luis B. Louzao, a.k.a. “Panda/Benji”; Edgardo A. Benitez-Guivas, a.k.a. “Buda/Buda De Las Margaritas”; Ediberto García-López, a.k.a. “Mafia”; Geovanny Morales-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Gova/Jova Morales”; Luis A. Piris-Torres, a.k.a. “Piris/Cheo/Cheito”; Luis García-Morlas, a.k.a. “Piolin”; Mario O. De-Jesús-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Caballo/Mario Caballo”; Pedro J. Cintron-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Torombolo/Toro”; José A. Colón-Otero, a.k.a. “Chino/Cheo/Cheito”; Carlos I. Rodríguez-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Teta/Teton/Blanquito/Carlos Teta”; Fernando Hilario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Nando de Playita/Boti”; Rafael Maldonado-Segarra, a.k.a. “Pucho de la Boada”; Ivette M. Rosado-Pantojas, a.k.a. “La Pata/ISIS”; Luis G. Robert-Torres, a.k.a. “Luigi/Cuajon Luis/Luiyo”; Gilberto Guise-Calderón, a.k.a. “Bereta/Bereta de Cantera”; Christian López-Díaz, a.k.a. “Christian 25”; Edwin Rosa-Colón, a.k.a. “Glock”; Luis O. Cabán-Rodríguez; Carlos M. Pantojas-Ruano, a.k.a. “Carlito”; Leslie R. Dominguez-Miranda, a.k.a. “Raul”; Christian J. Huertas-Méndez, a.k.a. “El Cano”; Christopher A. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bofel/Bofer”; Dennis J. Hernández-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tico/Kiko/Tico de la Calle Williams/Pipin”; Joel C. Nieves-Torres; Jonathan Meléndez-Otero, a.k.a. “Goldo”; Jonathan Pereira-Santiago, a.k.a. “Flaco”; Jorge D. Alicea-Cintrón, a.k.a. “Machete”; José M. Santiago-Montañez, a.k.a. “Ojitos Lindos/Pito/Ojitos Bellos”; José J. Piris-Hernández, a.k.a. “Piris”; Juan M. Pérez-Méndez, a.k.a. “Kun”; Luis A. Rosa-Díaz, a.k.a. “Chino”; Michael G. Marrero-Castro, a.k.a. “Conejo/Conejito/Cone”; Nelson A. López-Quiñonez, a.k.a. “Toston”; Kelvinson Castillo-Castillo, a.k.a. “Duran de la Calle Williams”; Pedro J. Massas-Rivera, a.k.a. “Five/Pedrito Massa”; Reynaldo M. Díaz-Verges, a.k.a. “Rey/Barber”; Nelson L. Cuevas-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Luli”; FNU LNU, a.k.a. “Gocho/Erick J. Rodriguez-Velez/Carlitos”; and Isadora Nieves-Cruz, a.k.a. “Pinky/Pinky Curvy”.

Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako” is facing one count of money laundering for the purchase of real estate properties in the municipality of Guaynabo with proceeds from drug trafficking. All the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $75,949,040 in U.S. currency and four other properties listed in the indictment.

Two other members of the drug trafficking organization, Edison Merced-Olivera, a.k.a. “Chino/Chino Oriental/El Loco/Chinos Las Margaritas/Pai” and Waldemar Febres-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Walde,” were charged in a separate indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, distribution of controlled substances, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These two defendants are facing murder charges at the state level for their alleged participation in the murder of Carlos Giovanny Báez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Tonka/Jova,” a known leader of the drug trafficking organization.

“Disputes between gang rivals lead to many shootings and murders, including innocent bystanders who are caught in the crossfire,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who have dismantled Las FARC with today’s indictment. We will continue to investigate these violent criminal organizations with our law enforcement counterparts, and send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.” 

Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office said: “Removing drug traffickers, violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs remains one of the highest priorities of the FBI in Puerto Rico as we seek to provide the citizens of Puerto Rico with a better place to live and raise their families. Today’s operation was made possible through the hard work of Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the FBI Safe Street Task Force, and our dedicated partners at the United States Attorney’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshal Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service; Police of Puerto Rico’s Strike Force; San Juan Municipal Police; Puerto Rico Department of Correction; and Puerto Rico Air National Guard. FBI Special Agents and Tactical personnel from FBI Headquarters and several other FBI field offices, conducted several of today’s arrests. Special appreciation is extended to San Juan Police Commissioner José Caldero for the outstanding task force officers from his department, one of whom served as the lead investigator on this case.”

DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, A.J. Collazo stated: “DEA and the Caribbean Division is proud of being part of this successful operation. Whenever we work together, favorable changes happen for our citizens and thanks to these changes, our Puerto Rican families are safer. We can’t allow these organizations to obstruct the right of peace in the Public Housing Projects in Puerto Rico. This organization was responsible for placing crack, heroin, and marijuana in the hands of lives who later suffered addiction, death and other situations, none of them positive for them, their families, nor society. These individuals are under arrest for the immeasurable damage they caused; life is priceless, and now they are behind bars to see justice done. The Men and Women of DEA will not rest and we will go after many more, when they least expect it.”

“The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers cannot finance their organizations. The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money, and we are proud to provide our financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring these criminals to justice. Today's announcement demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust,” stated Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and María L. Montañez-Concepción are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Today’s arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Jonathan Valentin-Santiago to 34 years in prison and Rubén Miró-Cruz to 24 years and six months in prison for their participation in the Hobbs Act robbery that resulted in the murder of a Police of Puerto Rico officer, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

On September 11, 2017, Jonathan Valentin-Santiago and Rubén Miró-Cruz approached Herol Café, also known as “La Tumba” in Ponce, PR, and announced a robbery to four men sitting outside the establishment. The co-defendants brandished a knife and a gun and they took money and jewelry from the four individuals and from the business while Cristian Serrano-Delgado, the third co-conspirator, waited outside by his car, a BMW.

Later, an adult male, an off duty Police of Puerto Rico officer, who was inside the establishment discharged his firearm at one of the defendants who returned fire and mortally wounded the police officer. After shots were fired, Serrano-Delgado drove his co-defendants away from the scene.

In December of 2018, after an eight-day jury trial, a jury found Cristian Serrano-Delgado guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and murder. His sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2019. Serrano-Delgado faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment. Valentin-Santiago had plead guilty on November 8, 2018 and Rubén Miró-Cruz had plead guilty on October 16, 2018. 

“I hope that these sentencings will help the victim’s family find some closure,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Senseless acts of violence which threaten our communities and innocent victims will not be tolerated.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum and Special AUSA Omar Barroso were in charge of the prosecution of this case. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department were in charge of the investigation.

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On February 7, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment against two individuals for carjacking, kidnapping, interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

The indictment alleges that on January 21, in the District of Puerto Rico, Miguel Ángel Rivera-Rivera and Chris Joanny Goenaga-Ortiz, aiding and abetting each other, possessing and brandishing firearms, took a Ponce taxi, that is a red 2002 Toyota Corolla, from an adult male victim, a taxi driver, by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. The defendants kidnapped the victim and held him against his will for hours. On January 25, the same defendants robbed fast food restaurant Little Caesars in Bairoa Shopping Center in Caguas. The defendants were arrested by Puerto Rico Police officers in the carjacked taxi while fleeing from the Little Caesar’s robbery.

Defendant Miguel Ángel Rivera-Rivera is also charged with several robberies while carrying and brandishing a firearm, on the following dates: January 11, Burger King at Las Americas Avenue in Ponce; January 14, Burger King in Villalba; January 15, Chinese fast food restaurant Mr. Wu’s in Juana Diaz; January 16, Burger King in Juana Diaz and KFC-Kentucky Fried Chicken in La Rambla in Ponce; and January 18, Toral Gas Station in Calle Comercio, Ponce. Rivera-Rivera is also facing a charge for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega. The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department are in charge of the investigation. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita, former Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja was sentenced by United States District Judge Carmen C. Cerezo to serve 30 months in prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $39,999 to the Municipality of Toa Baja, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

On August 30, 2018, Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll to bribery and conspiracy to obtain property by fraud from a program receiving federal funds. As a part of the guilty plea, Arroyo admitted that he served as Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja during the time of the conspiracy, which was from May 2011 through May 2013. In his position as Director of Facilities, Arroyo conspired to defraud the municipality and accepted multiple bribes, paid in cash and totaling $39,999, in exchange for causing contracts to be awarded and payments to be made by the Municipality of Toa Baja to enrich co-defendant Luis Serrano-Perdigón.

As a part of the conspiracy, Arroyo personally submitted fraudulent quote documentation to the purchasing office of the Municipality of Toa Baja using a fictitious company named Professional Sales & Service.  In doing so, Arroyo utilized, without consent or legal authority, the name and signature of a real person on the fraudulent quote documentation submitted to the municipality. Arroyo then caused checks to be issued by the municipality to Professional Sales & Service, which were deposited into a bank account in the name of ALS Electronic Service, a company alleged to be controlled by co-defendant Luis Serrano Perdigon. Bribe payments were then made by Luis Serrano-Perdigón directly to Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita.

The sentencing hearing for Luis Serrano-Perdigón is scheduled for February 14, 2019. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 5, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 35 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Fajardo and Humacao Strike Forces, are in charge of the investigation. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2011, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Dr. Pedro J. Palou and  Los Jardines de Oriente (also known as Los Condos) Public Housing Projects and other areas, and within 1,000 feet of the Rufino Vigo Elementary School located in the Municipality of Humacao, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit. The object of the conspiracy was the large-scale distribution of controlled substances in Humacao and San Juan for significant financial gain and profit.

The 35 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, runners, enforcers, sellers, and lookouts/facilitators. Twenty-seven defendants are facing one charge of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

As part of the conspiracy, armed conspirators provided security to the drug point. If the rules of the drug trafficking organization were violated, the leader(s) or high-level members of the organization would use force, violence, and intimidation against the offenders known as “cobrar falla” in Spanish, in an effort to maintain order within Dr. Palou and Jardines de Oriente, as well as other areas controlled by the drug trafficking organization.

For a period of time in the conspiracy, gang members from Dr. Palou and members of another drug trafficking organization joined forces in order to maintain control of Dr. Palou. It was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that members of the drug trafficking organization violently took control of the Jardines de Oriente drug point and of the Padre Rivera Public Housing Project. Some of the defendants and their co-conspirators who participated in the hostile takeover possessed, carried, brandished, and used firearms.

The defendants indicted and arrested today are: Lester Ozuna-González, a.k.a. “Lester Millones/La L”; Héctor Rivera-Resto, a.k.a. “El Cojo/El Negro”; Carlos Luis Pérez-Vega, a.k.a. “Kay/La K”; Christian Fernández-Jorge, a.k.a. “Ardilla”; Pedro César Burgos-Bergoderes, a.k.a. “Cesar/La C”; Félix A. Fernández-Jorge, a.k.a. “Viejo/Tom John”; José Christian Cabret-Pacheco, a.k.a. “Vaca”; Steven Peña-López, a.k.a. “Jampi/Jampier”; Anthony De León-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Montana/Antonio J. De León-Lugo”; Jorge Joel Figueroa-Rivera, a.k.a. “McDonald”; María Victoria Castro-González, a.k.a. “La Fea”; Kiara Liz Ortiz-Velázquez, a.k.a. “Kiki”; Josué Díaz-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Casco”; Edwin Otero-Díaz, a.k.a. “Chewito”; Rafael Martínez-Trinidad, a.k.a. “Bebo”; Ricardo Burgos-Irizarry, a.k.a. “Chino”; Pedro R. Díaz-Torres, a.k.a. “Pinto”; Ángel G. Fernández-Jorge, a.k.a. “Piu”; Christian Carmona-Llanos, a.k.a. “Negro Carolina/Domi/Mono”; Luis A. Betancourt-Pantojas, a.k.a. “Nazi/Nassi”; Elvin José Castellano, a.k.a. “Menor”; José De La Cruz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Oso”; Krizialisse Santana-González, a.k.a. “La Galla”; Jean Carlos Lebrón-Falcón, a.k.a. “Silencio”; Alex Miguel Rivera-Marquez, a.k.a. “Alex Corolla”; Edwin Otero-Marquez, a.k.a. “Chewi/Mono”; José Machuca-Benitez, a.k.a. “Mota”; Victor García-Benitez, a.k.a. “Shadow/El Negro”; Janses Rondón-Carrillo, a.k.a. “Janyo”; Samuel Rivera-Valcarcel, a.k.a. “Sammy”; Emilio Soto-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Millo”; Alexis Jean Santiago, a.k.a. “Doble A”; Bryan Ramos-Marrero, a.k.a. “Zurdo”; Nilsa Ortiz-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Mirelis/Mirielis/La Rubia”; and Luz Ortiz-Ubiles, a.k.a. “Mayra”.

“This indictment and the arrests this morning are a significant victory in our efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to dismantle these criminal organizations and to send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”

“Teams of agents from every federal, state, and city law enforcement agency on the island have been working around the clock to take back the streets of Puerto Rico for all of the good citizens who deserve to safely enjoy their lives here. The diligence of our partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice make it possible to bring these major operations to the finish line,” stated Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division.

Today’s arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa E. Bonhomme and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadia Y. Pineda-Pérez, from the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – After five days of jury trial, Dr. Guillermo Tirado-Menéndez entered a straight guilty plea to Count one - conspiracy to distribute and dispense at least 70,000 units of Oxycodone (Percocet) and at least 40,000 units of Alprazolam (Xanax) and Count three - possession with intent to dispense at least 70,000 units of Oxycodone (Percocet) and at least 40,000 units of Alprazolam (Xanax) outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa presided over the case.

Tirado would use his license to prescribe Percocet and Xanax to individuals who would come to his office seeking Percocet and Xanax without performing a medical examination. He commonly referred to his patients as “Los Cristianos” because they were methadone addicts seeking more drugs. He would typically charge $100 per script. With these convictions, this doctor will no longer be able to use his medical license and DEA controlled substances license to serve as a drug pusher. Both will be forfeited as a result of the conviction.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc Chattah and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadia Y. Pineda. The defendant faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine not to exceed one million dollars and a term of supervised release of not less than three years. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2019.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –Today, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment charging Celinés Rivera-Díaz with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion and extortion. Defendant Rivera-Diaz was arrested on December 19, 2018, and is currently detained pending trial.

Pursuant to the Affidavit in support of the criminal Complaint filed on December 21, 2018, on December 19, 2018, an unknown individual (“Suspect One”) contacted over the phone a 62-year-old female (the “Victim”), and informed her that he abducted her adult son. Suspect One told the Victim that her son owed him $4,000, and was not responding. Suspect One demanded that the Victim pay him $4,000 and threatened that, unless she paid that amount, her son would be harmed. More specifically, Suspect One threatened that the Victim’s son “se iba a joder.” The Victim responded that she only had $1,600 in the bank and could only pay $1,000. Suspect One then instructed the Victim that a woman would drive to the Victim’s home, pick up the Victim, and drive the Victim to the bank so the Victim could withdraw the money and pay the ransom. The Victim acquiesced to Suspect One’s demands.

Later that day, a woman, later identified as defendant Celinés Rivera Díaz (“Rivera-Díaz”), drove to Victim One’s house, picked her up and drove her to a Banco Popular de Puerto Rico branch located in Humacao, Puerto Rico. During the drive to the bank, defendant Rivera-Díaz and the Victim maintained telephone communications with Rivera-Díaz’s coconspirators. Upon arriving at the bank, the Victim entered the bank on foot while the defendant remained outside. Once inside the bank, the Victim informed bank employees that she was being extorted. Bank employees called Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) agents, who quickly arrived at the scene. PRPD agents later arrested defendant Celinés Rivera-Díaz. Further investigation revealed that the Victim’s son was not abducted.

“We will not stand by as criminals attempt to rip-off our elders by force, violence, and fear. These con-artists who trick victims into sending money before they realize it’s a scam, by playing into their emotions, should know that they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The investigation continues as to other coconspirators.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan C. Reyes-Ramos is in charge of the prosecution of the case and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is in charge of the investigation. If convicted the defendant could face up to 20 years of imprisonment on each count. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt.  Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Yesterday, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against Juan L. Pantoja De Jesus, charging him with aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Coast Guard helicopter, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The case is being investigated by Coast Guard Investigative Services (CGIS).

On or about June 12, 2018, Pantoja De Jesus knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Coast Guard helicopter, and at the flight path of such aircraft, which was an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 39A.

“Aiming laser pointers at aircraft while in flight is a serious safety threat. It may create a visual distraction or even damage a pilot’s eyes, and may force a pilot to relinquish control of the aircraft to a co-pilot. In cases of law enforcement aircraft, responses to emergency or crime scenes may have to be terminated because of a laser interference. The public should be aware that there are severe consequences to these actions,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodriguez-Velez.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward G. Veronda is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

SAN JUAN, P.R. - Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced that United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa sentenced Miguel Angel Martinez-Ramos and Michael Rosa-Rodríguez to 23 years of imprisonment for carjacking and for discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On April 25, 2018, Miguel Angel Martínez-Ramos and Michael Rosa-Rodríguez were charged with carjacking; using, carrying and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; possession of a machinegun in relation to a crime of violence; and illegal possession of a machinegun. 

The evidence revealed that on April 14, 2018, the defendants stole the victim’s vehicle and Rosa-Rodriguez shot the victim twice, once on the neck and once on his back. The third shot missed him. The victim, a school teacher, dragged himself on the street and was able to signal someone in an incoming vehicle who agreed to help him and took him to the emergency room where he had to receive emergency surgery.

On October 10, 2018, both defendants pled guilty to Counts One and Two of the indictment.

The criminal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Daynelle Alvarez and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Yesterday federal authorities arrested Migdoel Cruz-Ruiz for threatening the life of the President of the United States.  The complaint charges Cruz-Ruiz with threatening to kill the President of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint states that on January 12, 2019, Migdoel Cruz-Ruiz contacted the Federal Bureau of FBI National Threat Operations Center via telephone, and made threats to kill President Trump, destroy Newark, Boston, Colorado, and the White House “very soon.” Cruz-Ruiz claimed that this was being done in vengeance for things the United States did to the people of Pakistan, India and Iran.  On January 14, 2019, FBI agents arrested the defendant without incident.

“Federal authorities will continue to prosecute those who use means of communication to threaten, promote, or incite violent acts,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. 

Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Cruz-Ruiz faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt.  Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today federal authorities arrested Julio Rodríguez-Febres and Angel Luis Olmos-Vargas, participants in the shooting which occurred on Three Kings Day in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.  The Complaint charges Julio Rodriguez-Febrez with one count for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and Angel Luis Olmos-Vargas with one count for possession of a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Police of Puerto Rico Bureau (PRPD), as part of the Trigger Puller Initiative, conducted the investigation along with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint states that on January 6, 2019, at Zokku’s Lounge Restaurant in Isla Verde at least eight individuals exchanged gunfire with and killed another man. A review of surveillance camera recordings, and law enforcement investigation, showed that Angel Luis Olmos-Vargas and Julio Rodriguez-Febres were involved in the shooting.

If convicted, defendants face a maximum term of ten (10) years of imprisonment. Assistant United States Attorney Alberto Lopez and Vanessa Bonhomme are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

 “Today’s arrests should serve as a clear warning to those who think they own our streets.  State and federal law enforcement officers are working together to get them off our streets and we will not rest until our citizens feel safe again. I must commend the tireless work of all the agents and prosecutors who investigated this case; through their collaboration they were able to arrest these individuals only five (5) days after the Three Kings Day murder in front of  Zokkus lounge in Isla Verde,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

“These arrests clearly demonstrate that the federal government will not turn a blind eye to criminality in Puerto Rico and we will not tolerate the delinquency that impacts the lives of all people in Puerto Rico. I could not be prouder to lead the men and women of ATF who work every day with our devoted partners from the Police of Puerto Rico.  The arrest of these violent individuals means all Puerto Ricans are safer,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Ari C. Shapira.

“As I have previously stated and specifically expressed yesterday, the initiatives—together and in coordination with the federal agencies—are on track, having effect, and we are starting to see the results of our joint efforts. With these actions, we have taken these criminals off our streets.  Many more will also be surprised,” said the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, Héctor M. Pesquera.

“These arrests are the result of the effective teamwork between state and federal law enforcement agencies. We shared information with the federal agencies to solve this case and we will continue working together for the prosecution of state and federal charges related to this incident, which has been under investigation since day one.  State authorities will continue with the investigation in order to press charges for the murder of Gregorio Cruz Pérez, along with any other state violation. We will continue undeterred in our fight against crime,” said Attorney General of Puerto Rico, Wanda Vázquez Garced.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints and indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt.  Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In four separate cases, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agents, working under the scope of the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico four men charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

HSI special agents arrested Ruben Alfonso Cautino-Latoni, 29, of Guaynabo, for possessing child pornography. According to the indictment, Cautino-Latoni possessed child pornography in the form of images and videos of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

HSI special agents arrested another man charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. According to the indictment, Jorge A. Perez-Ninham, 27, of Arecibo, possessed child pornography in the form of images and videos of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

In an unrelated case, Christian Alexis Velazquez-Nieves, 20, of Guayanilla, was also arrested by HSI agents for possessing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

HSI agents also arrested and Samuel Mendoza-Reyes, 49, of Carolina, for possession of child pornography in the form of images and videos minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Mendoza Reyes was a member of the Puerto Rico National Guard at the time of his arrest.

All men had their initial appearance hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Velez-Rive and were transferred to the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center.

“Child exploitation investigations continue to be one of HSI’s highest priorities,” said Iván J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “No crime affects us more deeply than the exploitation of innocent children. We will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to identify arrest and prosecute those who in the cruelest manner steal the innocence of our children.”

This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 16,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2016, more than 2,600 child predators were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 800 victims identified or rescued.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

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-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page. HSI is a founding member 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.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, after an eight-day jury trial, a jury found Cristian Serrano-Delgado guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and murder, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) were in charge of the investigation.

During trial, the government showed that on September 11, 2017, Cristian Serrano-Delgado, along with other two individuals, approached Herol Café, also known as “La Tumba” in Ponce, PR, and announced a robbery to four men sitting outside the establishment. The co-defendants brandished a knife and a gun and they took money and jewelry from the four individuals and from the business, while Serrano-Delgado waited outside by his BMW.

An off-duty Police of Puerto Rico officer, Roberto Medina Mariani, who was inside the establishment, discharged his firearm at one of the defendants who returned fire and mortally wounded him. After the shootout, Serrano-Delgado drove his co-defendants away from the scene.

The other defendants were Jonathan Valentin-Santiago and Rubén Miró-Cruz. Valentin-Santiago pleaded guilty on November 8, 2018, and his sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2019. Miró-Cruz pleaded guilty on October 16, 2018, and his sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2019.  

“I hope that this conviction will help the victim’s family find some closure,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Senseless acts of violence which threaten our communities and innocent victims will not be tolerated.”

The defendant faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment. The defendant will be sentenced on March 18, 2019, before the Honorable District Judge Francisco Besosa. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Omar Barroso were in charge of the prosecution of this case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against Ricardo González-Rodríguez, charging him for threatening to injure the Secretary of Public Safety Héctor Pesquera via Facebook, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e), announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.

According to the information contained in the indictment, the threat was posted on Facebook, on May 2, 2018. The post contained the following text: “Ai (sic) que matarlo ahora mismo.” Translated to the English language, the post states: “He must be killed right now.” On December 14, 2018, FBI agents arrested the defendant without incident.

“Federal authorities will continue to prosecute those who use social media to threaten, promote violence, or incite violent acts,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. 

“The FBI defends and protects the rights of all people to speak freely. But this does not include sending messages that threaten or encourage violence, which is a serious crime,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division.

Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, González-Rodríguez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. - On December 13, 2018, a federal Grand Jury returned a 37-count indictment charging 22 individuals with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, 18 substantive counts of bank fraud, and 16 counts of aggravated identity theft, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. During the course of the scheme, the defendants illegally obtained $560,640.43 from the Bureau of the Lottery of Puerto Rico (the “PR Lottery), a division of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department. The United States Secret Service was in charge of the investigation.

According to the indictment, defendant [1] Natalie Enid González-Rodríguez produced or procured fraudulent checks using the names and addresses of unsuspecting business concerns operating in Puerto Rico as apparent issuers of the checks (the “Fake Employers”) specifying the routing and account number for the PR Lottery’s bank account. The false checks were issued payable to one of the following defendants as employees or contractors: [2] Vanessa Pérez; [3] María Magdalena Silva, a.k.a. “María Magdalena Robaina/María Silva/María Robaina;” [4] Miguel Ángel Robaina, a.k.a. “Miguel Robaina;” [5] Destini Angelica Hanze, a.k.a. “Destini Hanze;” [6] Ángel Miguel Berríos-García, a.k.a. “Ángel M. Berrios-García/Ángel Berríos;” [7] Melissa Parilla-Belardo, a.k.a. “Melissa Parrilla;” [8] Luis Alberto Maldonado III, a.k.a. “Luis A. Maldonado/Luis Alberto Maldonado;” [9] Johanna Luciano-Velázquez, a.k.a. “Johanna Luciano;” [10] Martin Martínez-López, a.k.a. “Martin Martínez;” [11] Eric Alberto Delgado-Carmona, a.k.a. “Eric Delgado/Eric Delgado Carmona;” [12] Pedro Iván Cortés-Castañón, a.k.a. “Pedro Cortés/Pedro Iván Cortés;” [13] Allan R. Mercado-Serrano, a.k.a. “Allan Mercado;” [14] Julieanies Mercado-Laboy, a.k.a. “Julieanies Mercado;” [15] Marc Anthony Ramos-Medina, a.k.a. “Marc Anthony Ramos;” [16] Gustavo A. Cruz-Rosado, a.k.a. “Gustavo Cruz;” [17] Joshua A. Molina-Morales, a.k.a. “Joshua Molina;” [18] Natyshia Enid Soto-González, a.k.a. “Natyshia Enid Soto/Natyshia Soto;” [19] Edmilio Rosario-Ramírez, a.k.a. “Edmilio Rosario/Ángel Ruiz Rodríguez/El Millo;” [20] Angelo Rodríguez-Cortés, a.k.a. “Angelo Rodríguez;” [21] Antonio L. Pacheco-Ayala, a.k.a. “Antonio Pacheco;” and [22] Yalitza Quiñones-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Yaritza Quiñones.”

The indictment alleges that the co-conspirators would take the false checks to multiple discount stores to negotiate them in exchange for cash or to use them to buy consumer products and return the proceeds of the scheme to Natalie Enid González-Rodríguez, who would then give them a portion of those proceeds. By executing the scheme and cashing the false checks at the discount stores, supermarkets and department stores, the co-conspirators obtained and procured funds belonging to the PR Lottery by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.

Defendant González-Rodríguez is facing 16 counts of aggravated identity theft. Between on or about October 2, 2015 through the date of this indictment, aided and abetted by the defendants listed in each count, and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, did knowingly transfer, possess, and use, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another real person as detailed in each count during and in relation to the bank fraud.

“Defendant González-Rodríguez perpetrated this fraudulent scheme over many years, and involved many people who are defendants today for a fragment of the proceeds she generated. These charges once again demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office resolve to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate financial schemes to defraud unsuspected victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Carlos Colón stated: “This case highlights the Secret Service’s investigative skills and our commitment to collaborate with our law enforcement partners in detecting and dismantling criminal organizations. These crimes have a detrimental impact to our nation’s critical financial infrastructure. Financial fraud is one of the largest challenges facing American citizens and businesses today. The United Secret Service will continue to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to target and arrest who commit this type of fraud.”

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of incarceration of 30 years for bank fraud, and a consecutive two-year mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the case is being prosecuted by AUSA Dennise N. Longo-Quiñones.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Friday, December 7, 2018, four men entered guilty pleas for their roles in the conspiracy to murder Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati-Casañas, a Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Lieutenant Albarati was murdered on February 26, 2013.

On January 28, 2015 a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a six count indictment charging nine individuals for the murder of Lieutenant Albarati: Ángel D. Ramos-Cruz, a.k.a. “Api;” Miguel Díaz-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bolo;” Juan Quiñones-Meléndez, a.k.a. “El Manco;” Orlando Mojica-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Yogui;” Jayson Rodríguez-González, a.k.a. “Gonzo;” and Alexander Rosario de León, a.k.a. “Coquí”. Defendants Carlos Rosado-Rosado, a.k.a. “Cano;” and Jancarlos Velázquez-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Jan,” pleaded guilty on August 13, 2018.

On December 7, 2018, Ángel D. Ramos-Cruz, Juan Quiñones-Meléndez, Orlando Mojica-Rodríguez, and Jayson Rodríguez-González entered pleas of guilty to the pending indictment. As part of the plea agreement, the defendants acknowledged that they conspired to murder Lt. Albarati as a direct result of continuous seizures of contraband by Albarati and other correctional officers. At the time of the conspiracy, Ramos-Cruz was an inmate at the facility and from inside MDC, he contacted an associate, Quiñones-Meléndez, a.k.a. “El Manco”, and requested that “El Manco” recruit the triggermen to carry out the hit or “vuelta.”

“Vuelta” which translates in English to “turn” or “errand” was a term that the organizations of Orlando Mojica-Rodríguez and Quiñones-Meléndez would use to describe a plan to commit a murder. Quiñonez-Meléndez contacted his fellow associate Orlando Mojica-Rodríguez a.k.a. “Yogui,” to shore up resources and triggermen. Quiñones-Meléndez recruited Carlos Rosado-Rosado, a.k.a. “Cano” and Jayson Rodríguez-González, a.k.a. “Gonzo,” to participate in the murder of Lt. Albarati. Meanwhile, Mojica-Rodríguez recruited Alexander Rosario de León, a.k.a. “Coqui,” as an additional enforcer to participate in the murder. Rosado-Rosado and Rosario de León had previously entered guilty pleas.

The murder of Lt. Albarati was carried out on February 26, 2013, as planned. Co-defendant, Oscar Martínez-Hernández was found guilty by a jury on September 20, 2018, for his role in the conspiracy as well. His sentence is scheduled for January 22, 2019.

“Throughout his law enforcement career, Lieutenant Albarati’s service was exemplary, selfless and courageous,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “With this conviction we take another step towards our goal of holding those who carried out this reprehensible and senseless murder accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice will continue to honor Lieutenant Albarati’s legacy as a public servant, his dedication to safeguard the community, and his integrity.”

The murder of government employees and officials is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life. Murder for hire is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for any terms of years or for life. Use of a firearm resulting in death is also punishable by a maximum term of life.

The case was investigated by the FBI with the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Miami Field Office, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, DEA, ATF, the United States Marshals Service, ICE-HSI, the Puerto Rico Police Department, the San Juan Municipal Police, and other law enforcement agencies that covered hundreds of leads developed as a result of the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas W. Cannon and Max Pérez-Bouret.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 6, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a third superseding indictment against six defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  Four of these individuals, Luis Carmona-Bernacet, a.k.a. “Canito Cumbre”; Yadiel Serrano-Canales, a.k.a. “Motombo”; Rolando Rivera-Solis; and Alex Burgos-Amaro, a.k.a. “Yogui”, were charged with the use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime resulting in the murder of banker Maurice Spagnoletti. The FBI was in charge of the investigation with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD).

The indictment alleges that since the year 2000 and continuing up to 2014, in the municipalities of San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Guaynabo, and Bayamón, defendants Luis Carmona-Bernacet, a.k.a. “Canito Cumbre”; Yadiel Serrano-Canales, a.k.a. “Motombo”; Alan Lugo-Montalvo, a.k.a. “Allan Lugo Montalvo”; Fabiany Almestica-Monge; Rolando Rivera-Solis; and Alex Burgos-Amaro, a.k.a. “Yogui” intentionally possessed with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, and marihuana.

Counts three, four, and five allege offenses involving the use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime resulting in murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j)(1). Counts three and four charge Carmona-Bernacet with the murders of William Castro on December 30, 2002, and René Cruz on December 6, 2006, respectively. In regards to the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti detailed in count five, the grand jury charged defendants Carmona-Bernacet, Serrano-Canales, Rivera-Solis and Burgos-Amaro, aiding and abetting each other, with counseling, commanding, inducing and procuring each other to carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and in the course of that crime, causing the death of Maurice Spagnoletti.

As part of the drug trafficking conspiracy, the superseding indictment alleges that the defendants established drug distribution points among several housing facilities owned by a public housing authority and other areas. The co-conspirators acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization and routinely possessed, carried, brandished and used firearms to protect themselves and the drug trafficking organization.

It is further alleged that co-conspirators legally employed other members of the conspiracy in their maintenance and service related companies in order to further their illegal activities. Leaders of the organization would practice the “Santería” religion to protect drug trafficking activities. The leaders usually identified themselves by wearing attire and amulets regularly used in the “Santería” religion. The leaders and their co­conspirators would conduct “Santería” religious ceremonies or cults before engaging in significant criminal activities and/or other violent incidents to protect the leaders, the organization, and their drug trafficking activities.  

“Federal, state and local law enforcement agents worked together with our prosecutors to target the leaders and key members of this violent gang, who are responsible for at least three murders, one of which was the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti in 2011,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Today’s charges prove our continuing commitment to remove armed, violent criminals from our neighborhoods and bring them to justice. Notwithstanding the indictment returned by the grand jury, as to the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti, the investigation continues.”

Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division stated: “The prosecutors and investigators assigned to this case were unwavering in their tireless dedication to see that these brutal murders would not go unsolved. While the unimaginable pain of the family members of these victims can never be resolved, the justice system will ensure that those responsible pay dearly for their willingness to kill another human being in furtherance of their own greed.” 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Zenón-Matos is in charge of the prosecution of the case.  If convicted, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years; from 10 years up to life in prison for the drug conspiracy charge, and from five years up to life in prison for the firearm charges. For the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti, the defendants could face the death penalty or imprisonment for any term of years or for life. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - El 6 de diciembre de 2018, un gran jurado federal en el Distrito de Puerto Rico presentó una tercera acusación enmendada contra seis individuos por ​​conspirar para distribuir sustancias controladas, y posesión de armas de fuego para promover un delito de narcotráfico, anunció Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico. Cuatro de estos individuos, Luis Carmona Bernacet, alias “Canito Cumbre”; Yadiel Serrano Canales, alias “Motombo”; Rolando Rivera Solís; y Alex Burgos Amaro, alias “Yogui” enfrentan un cargo por utilizar un arma de fuego durante y en relación con un delito de narcotráfico que resultó en el asesinato del banquero Maurice Spagnoletti. El FBI estuvo a cargo de la investigación con la asistencia de la Policía de Puerto Rico.

En la acusación se alega que desde el año 2000 hasta el 2014, en los municipios de San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Guaynabo y Bayamón, los acusados ​​Luis Carmona Bernacet, alias “Canito Cumbre”; Yadiel Serrano Canales, alias “Motombo”; Alan Lugo Montalvo, alias “Allan Lugo Montalvo”; Fabiany Almestica Monge; Rolando Rivera Solís; y Alex Burgos Amaro, alias “Yogui” poseían con intención de distribuir cocaína crack, cocaína y marihuana.

Los cargos tres, cuatro y cinco incluyen el uso de un arma de fuego durante y en relación a un delito de narcotráfico que resultó en asesinato, en violación del Título 18, Código de los Estados Unidos, Sección 924 (j) (1). Los cargos tres y cuatro acusan a Carmona Bernacet de los asesinatos de William Castro el 30 de diciembre de 2002 y René Cruz el 6 de diciembre de 2006, respectivamente.

En cuanto al asesinato de Maurice Spagnoletti detallado en el cargo cinco, el gran jurado acusó a ​​Carmona Bernacet, Serrano Canales, Rivera Solís y Burgos Amaro, de en concierto y común acuerdo asesorar, mandar, inducir, obtener y portar armas de fuego durante y en relación a un crimen de narcotráfico, y en el curso de ese crimen, asesinaron a Maurice Spagnoletti.

Como parte de la conspiración de narcotráfico, la acusación alega que los co-conspiradores ​​establecieron puntos de distribución de drogas entre varios residenciales públicos y otras áreas. Los acusados actuaron en diferentes roles para promover los objetivos de su organización y habitualmente poseían, portaban, blandeaban y usaban armas de fuego para protegerse a sí mismos y a la organización de narcotráfico.

Además, la acusación alega que los co-conspiradores empleaban legalmente a otros miembros de la conspiración en negocios relacionados a mantenimiento y servicios de limpieza para ocultar sus actividades ilegales. Los líderes de la organización practicaban la Santería para proteger las actividades de narcotráfico. Los líderes usualmente se identificaban vistiendo atuendos y amuletos usados ​​regularmente en la religión de Santería. Realizaban ceremonias y cultos religiosos antes de participar en actividades ilegales y otros incidentes violentos para proteger a los líderes, la organización y sus actividades de narcotráfico.

“Las agencias de ley y orden federales y estatales trabajaron incansablemente durante la investigación de esta organización criminal violenta, cuyos miembros son responsables de al menos tres asesinatos, uno de los cuales fue el asesinato del banquero Maurice Spagnoletti en el año 2011”, dijo Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico. “Los cargos de hoy demuestran nuestro compromiso continuo de eliminar de nuestras comunidades a los delincuentes más violentos y llevarlos ante la justicia. La investigación continúa a pesar de que hoy presentamos una acusación sobre el asesinato de Maurice Spagnoletti”.

Douglas A. Leff, Agente Especial a Cargo del FBI, División de San Juan, declaró: “Los fiscales y agentes se mostraron inquebrantables en su incansable dedicación para ver que estos crueles asesinatos se resolverían. Si bien el dolor inimaginable de los familiares de las víctimas nunca se eliminará, el sistema de justicia se asegurará de que los responsables paguen un alto precio por su disposición a matar a otro ser humano para promover su propia codicia”.

La Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Kelly Zenón Matos está a cargo del caso. De ser declarados culpables, los acusados ​​enfrentan una sentencia mínima de 15 años; desde 10 años hasta cadena perpetua por el cargo de conspiración de drogas, y desde 5 años hasta cadena perpetua por los cargos por armas de fuego. Por el asesinato de Maurice Spagnoletti, los acusados ​​podrían enfrentar la pena de muerte o hasta vida en prisión. Todo acusado se presume inocente hasta que el gobierno pruebe las alegaciones de la acusación más allá de toda duda razonable.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Defendant Madeline Miró-Aponte pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé to 30 counts of wire fraud involving in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Miró-Aponte was charged today via an Information.

From approximately June 2011 through March 2017, Miró-Aponte provided accounting services to a company organized in Puerto Rico that was engaged in the manufacture, purchase, sale, and distribution of alcoholic products (“Company A”). Miró-Aponte devised a scheme to defraud the company by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses and representations that affected financial institutions.

As a part of the scheme, Miró-Aponte utilized credit from financial institutions, including Citi, Chase, Discover, Comenity, and Synchrony, to make purchases from merchants operating in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. The merchants included Marriott, Southwest, American Eagle Outfitters, Sears, TJ-Max, Loft, Old Navy, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Amazon, JCPenney, Victoria’s Secret, Brooks Brothers, Best Buy, and Costco.

Miró-Aponte knowingly used Company A’s bank account information to process payments for her personal purchases, without the authorization or knowledge of Company A. These payments were transmitted by means of wire communication in interstate commerce. Miró-Aponte then falsified the accounts and records of Company A and other documents to avoid detection of the scheme.

From approximately June 2011 through March 2017, Miró-Aponte illegally processed payments totaling approximately one million thirty-five thousand dollars ($1,035,000) for her personal benefit using funds from Company A’s bank deposits.

As a part of the guilty plea, Miró-Aponte agreed to forfeit all property derived from the offense and to restitution in the amount of no less than $1,035,114 (minus any repayments already made to Company A).

 “Today’s conviction should serve as a reminder of our commitment to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The US Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in bringing those commit financial crimes for personal gain to justice.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Erbe. The defendant is facing a maximum statutory penalty of up to thirty (30) years of imprisonment.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– On November 21, 2018, the United States Government recovered the sum of $1,772,790.00 from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) as part of a settlement agreement reached in connection to claims of misuse of grant funds provided to the UPR by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The investigation revealed that the UPR did not comply with the time and effort reporting requirements of salaries and wages to ensure that payroll for the various grants was correctly and appropriately charged for the 2011 calendar year. The UPR provided various certifications asserting compliance with grant rules, when in fact, their records failed to reconcile the budget amounts reported to NASA, DOE, and NSF. Under the False Claims Act, Title 31, United States Code, Sections 3729, et seq., for the period of the covered conduct, the United States can recover up to three times the amount of loss and civil monetary penalties ranging from $5,500.00 to $11,000.00 per claim, in addition to debarment from future participation in federal funding. 

The Office of the Inspector General of NASA, DOE and NSF involved in this investigation are deeply committed to fighting fraud, waste and abuse, and ensuring that federal funding is used for its intended purposes and recipients. 

“The NASA Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate any attempt to defraud NASA grants, contracts, and operations,” said NASA Inspector General Paul Martin. “The NASA OIG appreciates the cooperative efforts of the entire investigative and prosecution team during this multi-year investigation and congratulates the team for reaching a final civil settlement in this matter.”

“It is imperative that federal award recipients use grant money appropriately, and that they track and support their award expenditures using effective accounting systems and accurate time and effort reports,” said Allison Lerner, Inspector General of the National Science Foundation. “The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of taxpayer funds devoted to scientific research and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners for their strong support in this effort.”

“The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring the integrity of our grant recipients by holding accountable those who choose to engage in false claims and mischarging schemes. This settlement is the result of a joint investigation which protected the government from inflated claims. We appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice in pursuing this matter and will continue to work collaboratively with our investigative partners to aggressively investigate those who seek to defraud government programs,” said Acting Inspector General April G. Stephenson.

“The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate grant fraud matters on both Criminal and Civil grounds and will aggressively pursue actions against those who submit false claims to the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “I commend the hard work and dedication of the Office of Inspector General and the prosecutorial team that handled the case.”

The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David O. Martorani-Dale, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Coordinator, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hector E. Ramírez-Carbó, Chief of Civil Division.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– On November 14, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against Carlos Rodríguez-Vidal, charging him for threatening to injure people and damage property by means of explosives using an instrumentality of interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e), announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.

According to the information contained in a criminal complaint, between November 6 and November 8, 2018 Twitter user @SYROH10 posted various threatening messages directed toward CNN, a 24-hour cable news network that has physical premises in various places throughout the United States, including Miami, Florida. The following are among the threatening messages:

• “I hate CNN I wish to explode them.”

• “I hate you and I hope to see you when we explode CNN.”

• “I hate you CNN, people of the United States we must take CNN off the air, put a bomb in all CNN office.”

• “Bomb to CNN all over the country.”

• “Put bomb at CNN we are United States and CNN is enemy and need to remove them from the air.”

• “Soon CNN Miami office of CNN will get a gift.”

FBI agents first learned of these threats when a CNN employee reported them on November 7, 2018. Upon further investigation and a search warrant, on November 10 FBI agents arrested Rodríguez-Vidal at his residence in Cabo Rojo, PR.

“The defendant attempted to create fear within CNN, and was mimicking the individual who recently sent letter bombs to prominent current and former government officials,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We commend the CNN employee who reported the threats to the FBI, and the agents who promptly investigated this matter. Federal authorities will continue to prosecute those who use social media to threaten, promote violence, or incite violent acts.”

“Any member of the public has the right to criticize whomever or whatever they want, publicly or privately. However, making threats of violence or encouraging others to commit acts of violence, through social media or other communications systems, is a serious crime and we are required to enforce this law diligently,” stated Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Division.

Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Rodríguez-Vidal faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Prosecutorial Development and Training (OPDAT), with the support of the Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division (INL), celebrated the release of “Reflections on the Accusatory System: Shared Experiences” in the Salón Marqués-Conde of the Hotel Marquis Reforma in Mexico City on the evening of Nov. 7.

This volume, authored by a cohort of judges from the Puerto Rican Judiciary, the Federal Judiciary of the United States, and the Judiciary of Colombia, gathers the insights of OPDAT’s closest judicial partners on the role of judges within Mexico’s new accusatory criminal justice system.  These judges have generously volunteered their time and expertise to work with OPDAT’s Judicial Studies Institute (JSI) in Mexico and Puerto Rico since 2016.  The Honorable Edgardo Rivera García, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, and the Honorable Gustavo Gelpí, Chief Judge of U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, have been especially instrumental in supporting OPDAT’s programming. The JSI program, funded by the Merida Initiative, strengthens the effectiveness of hundreds of Mexican federal appellate and amparo judges.  

“The exchange among our dear friends at the Puerto Rican Supreme Court and the Puerto Rican federal courts, gave us a completely distinct outlook from the judicial trainings in countries like Chile and Colombia,” said Justice of the First Chamber of the Mexican Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Jorge Mario Pardo Rebolledo.  “The shared experience [of the Mexico-Puerto Rico Judicial Studies Institute] has been and continues to generate the most useful knowledge for Mexico’s new accusatory criminal justice system.”

This event commemorated the commitment of OPDAT and its partners to supporting Mexico’s judicial sector in the face of the challenges presented by transnational organized crime. 

On Nov. 2, a federal indictment against three Puerto Rican men was unsealed after their arrest for their roles in a conspiracy to provide pirated DISH Network (DISH) services to thousands of Puerto Ricans, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez for the District of Puerto Rico.  DISH is a Colorado based company that provides satellite television to its customers for a fee and has invested heavily in measures to ensure that its services are not intercepted by copyright infringers, also known as pirates. 

The three-count indictment charges Arnaldo Vazquez, 41, aka “Naldo,” aka “naldo.dish;” Awildo Jimenez, 36, aka “Wildo,” “joselo626,” and “wildo20;” and Higinio Lamboy, 46, aka “Ingi,” with one count of conspiracy to circumvent protective systems, infringe copyrights and traffic in satellite decryption devices, one substantive count of trafficking in technology designed to circumvent technology copyright protection systems and one substantive count of circumventing a technological measure that protects a copyrighted work. 

The indictment describes Vazquez and Jimenez as owners and operators of a company that provided the pirated services to customers who paid a monthly cash fee to receive copyrighted content delivered from DISH satellites and identifies Lamboy as their salesman and repairman for the hardware that they provided to their customers.  The indictment further describes a complex scheme to steal the copyrighted content for financial gain through the interception of encrypted DISH signals that were distributed to paying DISH customers and decrypted through DISH-issued hardware.  For example, the indictment alleges that the defendants used DISH’s network control words, or decrypted code, and placed them onto an Internet Key Sharing (IKS) server, which was under their control.  Placing the control words on the IKS server aided the decryption and distribution of the pirated content.  The defendants also provided their customers with receivers that were programmed with software that allowed them to bypass DISH’s anti-piracy measures, which then allowed their customers to connect to the conspirators’ bootleg IKS server to access the copyrighted content. 

The indictment alleges that the defendants used online chat forums to discuss their criminal enterprise, resolve technical problems related to their DISH piracy, and facilitate the payment for their criminal deeds and purchase of equipment needed to further their scheme.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Kebharu Smith of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Cannon of the District of Puerto Rico.

SAN JUAN, P.R. – After four days of jury trial presided by US District Court Judge Jay A. García-Gregory, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Edilio Benjamín-Hernández and Johanni Balbuena-Hernández for Conspiring to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Aiding and Abetting the Importation of Controlled Substances, and Conspiring to Import Controlled Substances, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Johanni Balbuena-Hernández was also convicted of Reentry by a Removed Alien and Edilio Benjamin-Hernández was found guilty of Improper Entry by an Alien.

The two were part of a larger international drug trafficking organization based in the Dominican Republic that landed 276 kilograms of cocaine in the municipality of Vega Baja.

The evidence at trial involved testimony from agents of the Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD) of the Dominican Republic, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), and Fuerzas Unidas de Rápida Acción (PRPD Maritime Unit). Additionally, the jury heard several wiretaps that were intercepted in the Dominican Republic by the DNCD where the members of the drug trafficking organization were heard planning their drug smuggling ventures.

Seven other defendants were charged for participating in the criminal organization. Defendant Miki King-Batista had previously pled guilty and been sentenced to 151 months and a supervised release term of 5 years. Defendant Daniel Ramírez-Pérez had previously pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Defendants Manuel Almeyda-Vasquez, Nelson King-De Aza, and Carlos De la Cruz-Paulino are awaiting trial.

The case, named “Operation King Dynasty,” was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. 

“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against narcotics in Puerto Rico and a clear indication of the success of the OCDETF program in the fight against drug trafficking. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of these defendants at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marc S. Chattah and Julia Díaz-Rex, Narcotics Unit Chief. The defendants are facing a minimum of ten years in prison with a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2019.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Throughout the past year, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face. Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”  

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a critical component of our crime reduction strategy; it enables the United States Attorney’s Office, together with our law enforcement partners, to target and prioritize criminal prosecutions of the most violent offenders in the most violent locations,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Using the additional resources we have received from the Justice Department, we will strengthen our mission to increase safety and reduce violent crime in neighborhoods across our communities.”

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:

Enforcement Actions

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has joined efforts with our fellow federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to take the lead in reducing gun violence, and specifically, murders. We have numerous initiatives in place to combat drug trafficking and violent crime on the island. The Illegal Firearms Initiative started in 2011, in response to a historical increase in the murder rate. Since then, we have indicted more than 2,570 violent offenders. In 2018, we have arrested 270 individuals under this initiative.

In 2016, after four consecutive years during which the murder rate decreased, Puerto Rico experienced a slight uptick in the murder rate. Therefore, we sensed a need to intensify violence reduction efforts, and to implement innovative strategies. The Trigger Puller Initiative is aimed at identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most dangerous members of drug trafficking organizations under investigation by the Strike Forces. In 2018, we have arrested 97 individuals under this initiative.

Other initiatives that are part of the PSN efforts in the District of Puerto Rico include: Gang Intelligence Center; RICO Initiative; Carjacking Initiative; and Drug Strike Forces. These initiatives target violent crime, organized crime and drug trafficking. 

Community Partnerships

Since late 2015, USAO-PR’s Prevention and Reentry Team implements the Communities and Juveniles Program that includes prevention seminars and workshops for public middle school students and members of communities in areas impacted by high violent crime rates. The speakers at the workshops are usually special agents or police officers from agencies like the DEA, ICE, United States Probation Office, and the PRPD. The subjects and speakers are selected after interviewing the school’s administration and assessing the school’s needs. This year we have visited five schools and a residential reentry center, and five more schools will be visited by the end of this year. These outreach activities will continue to be coordinated throughout the year.

Improvements to Community Safety

• The FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that, after two consecutive, historic increases in violent crime, in the first year of the Trump Administration the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline. The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.
• The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.
• In our district, we have had a steady decrease in the murder rate. As of the month of October, an average of 45 less murders have occurred in comparison to last year.

These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – A jury found Wally Irizarry-Sisco guilty of one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández presided over the trial.  

According to the evidence presented at trial, on March 2015, the defendant transported an 11-year-old female to a motel located in Juana Díaz, PR, with the intent to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Prior to this crime, Irizarry-Sisco was considered part of the family of the female victim.

“The jury found the defendant guilty of stealing this child’s innocence,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico will continue to prosecute sexual predators in order to protect the vulnerable victims of these crimes, our children.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cristina Caraballo. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. The sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2019 at 10:30 am.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. –U.S. District Court Senior Judge Daniel R. Domínguez sentenced José Padilla-Galarza, a former police officer who masterminded a bank robbery, to a 19-year term of imprisonment and five years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Codefendant Jomar Hernández-Román was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison, and three years of supervised release. Both defendants were found guilty by a jury on February 26, 2018.

During the trial held in February of 2018, Padilla-Galarza faced two conspiracy counts, two robbery counts, and a weapons count. The evidence at trial showed that Padilla recruited others to commit an armed bank robbery at the Banco Popular branch in Rexville Town Center on November 29, 2014. On that date, three individuals disguised in construction outfits entered the Banco Popular brandishing weapons at the customers and employees inside, and stole over $64,000. Padilla had recruited these individuals, and obtained the disguises for the robbery. To facilitate the robbery and divert the attention of first responders, Padilla schemed with one of his co-conspirators to place decoy explosives near ATM machines in Lomas Verdes and Bayamón, respectively. Following three weeks of trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict as to all counts.

Four other codefendants have also plead guilty to offenses stemming from the robbery and were sentenced:

• Samuel Figueroa plead guilty on July 10, 2017 and was sentenced on June 7, 2018 to eight years and four months in prison, and three years of supervised release.
• Jorge Camacho-Gordils plead guilty on December 1, 2016 and was sentenced on March 24, 2017 to nine years and six months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
• Johan Dávila-Rivera plead guilty on April 10, 2017 and was sentenced on March 19, 2018 to three years of imprisonment, and five years of supervised release.
• Miguel Torres plead guilty on April 26, 2017 and was sentenced on March 28, 2018 to five years of probation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Alum and Daynelle M. Álvarez-Lora. The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department were in charge of the investigation of this case.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. - United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón sentenced José Andrés Colón-Santos to eight years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for bank fraud and tampering with a witness by intimidation, threats, corrupt persuasion, or misleading conduct, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Court also ordered the defendant to make restitution payments to 12 victims in a total amount of $73,727.82.

On May 2, 2018, Colón-Santos plead guilty to committing bank fraud and tampering with a witness by intimidation, threats, corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct, in a case where he targeted elderly victims. Colón-Santos admitted to having unlawfully enriched himself by obtaining bank account information and personal identifying information (social security number, date of birth, address as well as credit/debit card and PIN numbers) from victims whose ages ranged from 69 to 83 years old. According to his guilty plea, Colón-Santos would obtain the name and number of his elderly victims from a telephone book. He would then call them and procure their personal identifying information by impersonating a bank officer. After obtaining their personal identifying information, he would take control of the victims’ bank accounts by calling the bank to change the addresses in the account and request replacement cards. He would use the newly issued ATM cards to withdraw funds for his personal use and benefit. Whenever the bank account owner was a female, co-defendant Erika Rosado-Matías would impersonate the bank account owner to request the change of address and replacement cards. The scheme caused substantial financial hardship to more than 12 victims.

Colón-Santos was also sentenced for intimidating and threatening a 75-year old female by threatening her with physical harm if she in any manner provided information or testimony to law enforcement agents involved in the investigation of his fraudulent scheme. Judge Delgado-Colón indicated that this conduct was significantly reprehensible and warranted the severity of the sentence imposed.

“The prosecution of this case and the severity of this sentence should serve to reassure the public that we are paying close attention to the well-being of our elders, and that we will spare no expense to take fraudsters off the streets. Law enforcement will not stand by as criminals attempt to fleece a very vulnerable group of our community. These criminals are disrupting their lives by stealing their savings and destroying their credit through calculated and pervasive fraud schemes,” stated U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “I urge everyone to take steps to protect their personally identifiable information (PII) from criminals who seek illicit profits through fraudulent schemes.” 

The criminal prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennise N. Longo-Quiñones. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of Puerto Rico Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

Co-defendant Erika Yazmin Rosado-Matías plead guilty on July 31, 2018 and her sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2108 before United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón. 

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, after a 24-day jury trial, a jury found Aurea Vázquez-Rijos, a.k.a. “Beatriz Vázquez/Aurea Dominicci;” her sister Marcia Vázquez-Rijos and Marcia Vázquez-Rijos’s ex-boyfriend José Ferrer-Sosa, guilty of the murder of Adam Joel Anhang Uster, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez. Adam Anhang was murdered on September 22, 2005.

The trial is a result of an investigation that caused the release from state prison of a man who was wrongly convicted of the murder of Adam Anhang. On or about October 2007, Jonathan Román-Rivera was convicted of the murder of Adam Anhang and sentenced to 105 years in prison. In June 2008, the federal investigation into the murder of Adam Anhang resulted in Román-Rivera’s release, and the arrest of Alex Pabón-Colón. On June 4, 2008, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a two-count indictment charging Aurea Vázquez-Rijos and Alex Pabón-Colón, a.k.a. “Alex el loco/Dante” for the murder of Adam Anhang. Pabón-Colón pleaded guilty on June 13, 2008. Aurea Vázquez-Rijos moved to Italy in 2008, in an effort to avoid prosecution. She was arrested in Spain in 2013 and extradited after contested proceedings in 2015. On August 15, 2013, a Federal Grand Jury returned a second superseding indictment charging José Ferrer-Sosa and Marcia Vázquez-Rijos, along with Aurea Vázquez-Rijos with the murder-for-hire of Adam Anhang. Charbel Vázquez-Rijos, Aurea and Marcia’s brother, is facing a charge for perjury before the Grand Jury and is pending trial.

More than 20 witnesses testified in the Government’s case. During trial, the government proved that Aurea Vázquez-Rijos, José Ferrer-Sosa and Marcia Váquez-Rijos met with Alex Pabón-Colón on September 21, 2005, to propose that Pabón-Colón murder Adam Anhang in exchange for the amount of three million dollars. Aurea Vázquez-Rijos made approximately ten telephone calls to Adam Anhang in order to induce him to have dinner with her at a restaurant in Old San Juan, and to facilitate his murder by defendant Pabón-Colón. On September 22, 2005, Alex Pabón-Colón received a call from José Ferrer-Sosa, who informed him that defendant Aurea Vázquez-Rijos and her husband were dining at a restaurant in Old San Juan and that Adam Anhang had to be murdered that evening.

After dinner, Pabón-Colón murdered Adam Anhang at the corner of San Justo and Luna streets in Old San Juan as Adam Anhang and defendant Aurea Vázquez-Rijos were returning to the parking garage to pick up Adam Anhang’s car. The murder was carried out, as previously discussed, and pursuant to the instructions Pabón-Colón had received from defendants Aurea Vázquez-Rijos, Jose Ferrer-Sosa, and Marcia Vázquez-Rijos. Pabón-Colón stabbed Adam Anhang on multiple occasions and forcefully hit him in the head area with a cobblestone, while his wife observed the fatal attack. Adam Anhang fought Pabón-Colón and tried to protect his wife from the assailant. Adam Anhang never knew his wife was the one who ordered the murder.

At trial, witnesses testified that Aurea Vázquez-Rijos watched as her husband got murdered; his last words were directed to her: “Run baby, run!” At the same time, she reminded Pabón-Colón that he needed to inflict an injury on her, in order to create the impression that she was blameless in the incident, and in order to perpetuate the idea that Adam Anhang’s death resulted from a robbery.

Evidence showed that Pabón-Colón wrote letters attempting to collect money from the defendants for the murder of Adam Anhang. Defendant Marcia Vázquez-Rijos received the third letter Pabón-Colón sent to them and she advised the person who delivered the letter to tell Pabón-Colón that they did not have the money to pay him. The jury found the defendants guilty of all counts including conspiracy and the use an interstate facility in murder-for-hire.

“Today’s verdict is the culmination of 13 years of tireless work by investigators, agents, and prosecutors. Their dedication has brought long-awaited justice to Adam Anhang’s family and friends,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “I am immensely proud of our prosecution team and our law-enforcement partners for this successful prosecution; with the convictions of these defendants, the victim’s family will hopefully find some closure from this senseless crime.”

Murder for hire is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys José Ruiz-Santiago and Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On September 20, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against two defendants charged for being convicted felons in possession of firearms, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation.

According to the information contained in the indictment, Benny Ruperto Rivera and Raymond Quintana Sotomayor, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce firearms of unknown make, model and caliber and ammunition, said firearms and ammunition having been shipped and transported in interstate commerce; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Benny Ruperto Rivera was arrested today and Raymond Quintana Sotomayor was arrested on September 19, 2018.

These arrests are part of the Trigger Puller Initiative, the Mayagüez Strike Force, and ATF. Ruperto Rivera and Raymond Quintana Sotomayor are two of the four individuals in a video that has been making the rounds in the media where rifles and guns are brandished at the camera by the four individuals threatening rapper Anuel AA. Quintana Sotomayor was also absconded from state probation at the time of his arrest.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa S. Zapata-Valladares. If convicted, defendants face up to 10 years in prison. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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A Dominican national was sentenced to prison today for his role in a scheme to sell the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents to individuals illegally residing in the United States.  Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico, Executive Associate Director Derek Benner of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Inspector in Charge Craig Goldberg of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chicago Division made the announcement.

Reynaldo Rodriguez-Canario, aka Reinaldo Rodriguez, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Reinaldo Canario, Jose Almonte, Jose Martinez, Matatan and Ciego, 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Puerto Rico, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colon of the District of Puerto Rico.  Rodriguez-Canario pleaded guilty on Feb. 16, to conspiracy to possess and transfer identification documents, conspiracy to encourage an alien to reside in the United States for financial gain, and aggravated identity theft. 

“Rodriguez-Canario and his co-conspirators sold identity documents to illegal aliens knowing that those documents would be used to commit crimes, including Social Security fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will not tolerate criminal aliens who undermine the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.  We will aggressively enforce U.S. immigration laws and seek stiff penalties against those who violate them.”

“Identity theft poses a severe threat to public safety by potentially enabling those with criminal intent to travel to or remain in the United States,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Benner. “HSI will continue to utilize its unique authorities, working closely with our law enforcement counterparts, to combat this crime and ensure justice for the victims.”

“The events of today serve as yet another example of the unending dedication of the Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners to halt the devastating effects of identity theft,” said Inspector in Charge Goldberg.  “Those who engage in this type of fraud must learn they cannot escape detection and will be brought to justice. The sentencing of Rodriguez-Canario is a victory for all who suffered financial and emotional distress because of his actions.” 

According to admissions in his plea agreement, Rodriguez-Canario obtained identity documents of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens, usually consisting of birth certificates, social security cards and driver’s licenses, and shipped them to co-conspirators in the United States.  Further, the plea agreement states that his co-conspirators sold social security cards and corresponding Puerto Rican birth certificates to individuals illegally residing on the mainland United States for prices ranging from $500 to $1,300 per set.  The defendant admitted that the co-conspirators used money transfer services and the U.S. mail to complete their illicit transactions.  Rodriguez-Canario also admitted that he knew that the customers who purchased the identity documents intended to commit social security fraud and other criminal offenses.

ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with assistance from HSI San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The HSI Attaché Office in the Dominican Republic and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center provided invaluable support, with assistance from ICE and U.S. Postal Inspection Service offices around the country.

Trial Attorneys Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Puerto Rico is providing assistance in this matter.

Potential victims and the public may obtain information about the case at: www.justice.gov/criminal/vns/caseup/beltrerj.html.  Anyone who believes their identity may have been compromised in relation to this investigation or who may have information about particular crimes in this case should call the ICE toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or use its online tip form at www.ice.gov/tipline.

Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of identity theft, or wants information about preventing identity theft, may obtain helpful information and complaint forms on various government websites including the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Website at: www.ftc.gov/idtheft.  Additional resources regarding identity theft can be found at: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/pubs/ID_theft/idtheft.html, www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html and www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=186436,00.html.

SAN JUAN, P.R. – On September 26, 2018, Angel Roberto Santos-Garcia pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Bruce J. McGiverin to the theft of federal funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and on September 27, 2018, Luis Serrano-Perdigon pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé to conspiracy and bribery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 666(a)(2) as well as Social Security fraud in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(4), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

As a part of the guilty plea, Santos-Garcia admitted that he served as interim Director of Finance for the Municipality of Toa Baja in 2015. While in that position, he transferred approximately $650,000 in funds from the United States Department of Health and Human Services and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to the general account and payroll account of the Municipality of Toa Baja. These unauthorized transfers were made in order to pay the municipal payroll and to pay municipal contractors, resulting in the illegal theft of federal funds.

The sentencing hearing for Santos-Garcia is scheduled for December 20, 2018, before District Judge Carmen C. Cerezo. Santos-Garcia faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years of imprisonment for the theft of federal funds.

In a separate case, Serrano-Perdigon, a contractor, admitted to conspiring with Edgar Arroyo Amezquita, the Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja from May 2011 through May 2013, to defraud the municipality and to bribe Arroyo to receive municipal contracts.

As a part of the conspiracy, Arroyo and Serrano-Perdigon submitted fraudulent quote documentation to the purchasing office of the Municipality of Toa Baja using a fictitious company named Professional Sales & Service. In doing so, Arroyo and Serrano-Perdigon utilized, without consent or legal authority, the name and signature of a real person on the fraudulent quote documentation submitted to the municipality. Checks were then issued by the municipality to Professional Sales & Service which were deposited into a bank account in the name of ALS Electronic Service, a company controlled by Serrano-Perdigon. Serrano-Perdigon also made multiple bribe payments to Arroyo, paid in cash and totaling $39,999, in exchange for causing the contracts to be awarded and payments to be made by the Municipality of Toa Baja for Serrano Perdigon. During this same time, Serrano-Perdigon concealed and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration that he was able to work in order to fraudulently secure Social Security disability benefit payments.

Arroyo pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to defraud and bribery offenses on August 30, 2018. Sentencing before District Judge Carmen C. Cerezo has been scheduled for December 5, 2018 for Arroyo and for December 20, 2018 for Serrano-Peridgon. Arroyo and Serrano-Perdigon each face a maximum sentence of five (5) years of imprisonment for the conspiracy to defraud and a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment for the bribery offense. Serrano-Perdigon also faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years of imprisonment for the Social Security fraud.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 18, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned 16 indictments against 64 defendants charging them with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); United States Postal Inspection Service; United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, North East Area, San Juan Field Office; FBI, and the Puerto Rico Police Department jointly investigated this case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).

The indictments allege that since 2010, the organization purchased and sold wholesale quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marihuana. They used the United States Postal Service to purchase and mail these drugs to and from various distributors in the Continental United States.

United States Postal Employees were aware of the shipments of controlled substances and would hold the packages for pick-up by co-conspirators or divert them to other members of the conspiracy.

Members of the conspiracy included police officers who would provide information regarding investigations of the conspirators, interfere in police investigations for the benefit of the conspirators, provide information to the conspirators on how to avoid police detection, and use and leverage their official positions as law enforcement officers in furtherance of the conspiracy.

Additionally, the conspirators sold street quantity amounts of cocaine, crack, and marihuana at drug points in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.

The conspirators facilitated the acquisition of firearms and ammunition, including machine guns, and would use force, violence, and threats in order to intimidate rival drug trafficking organizations. Several of the members of the conspiracy have been charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and money laundering.

The defendants are: Ignacio Rivera-Hernández, a.k.a. “Nacho/Gordo/Willy/El Patrón”; José M. Santiago-Robles, a.k.a. “Mosco”; Luis Aponte-Hernández, a.k.a. “Luis Loiza”; Juan Ruiz-Velázquez, a.k.a. “Drexler”; Erick Fuentes-Correa, a.k.a. “El Barbu”; Eric Raúl Piñero-Robles,  a.k.a. “Pulga”; Lamont Marquese Wright; Mack Devon Boone, a.k.a. “Money Mack”; Luz María Maldonado; Julio César González-Andino, a.k.a. “Fredito”; Raymond Rodríguez-Pabón, a.k.a. “Raymond Cassiano”; Sergio Quiñonez-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Sergito”; Ronnie Medina-García, a.k.a. “Rony”; Rolando José Sierra-Velázquez, a.k.a. “Rolo”; Ángel Omar Rivera-Ferrer, a.k.a. “Omy”; John Leonardo-Jiménez, a.k.a. “Ole”; Alberto Hiraldo, a.k.a. “Quenepa”; Abner Santana-Rosa; Juana Rosa-Pimentel, a.k.a. “Jenny”; Josué Castro-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tito El Loco/Macolin”; Juan Luis Santana-Rosa, a.k.a. “Topin”; Andrés Santana-Rosa, a.k.a. “Andresito/Kiko”; Luis Ángel Cruz-Rosa; Miguel A. Montijo-Hernaiz, a.k.a. “Pollo”; Sergio De León-Dávila; Elvin Serrano-Vega, a.k.a. “Ñaña”; Kidany Cardona-Benitez, a.k.a. “Pucho”; Luis Omar Díaz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Wiso”; Noel García-Marín, a.k.a. “Noelito”; Noel García-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tito Valentin”; Julio C. Rivera-Hernández; Carlos M. Pabón-López; Nicolás Loaces-Idelfonso, a.k.a. “Goldo Nicky”; José R. López-Rosario, a.k.a. “Cheo/Montana López”; Félix O. Pantojas-Arizmendi, a.k.a. “Fili”; Samuel Medina-Rosa, a.k.a. “Samy Melón”; Christopher Ceballo-Cepeda; Eduardo Barajas-Durán, a.k.a. “Leo/Neo”; FNU-LNU “Jessy”; FNU-LNU “Fredy”; Michael Ramírez-Torréns, a.k.a. “M”; Ismael Mailo-Silva; Samuel Encarnación-Nieves, a.k.a. “Chino”; Johnnell Rosario-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Lionel”; Joel Rodríguez-Meléndez; Gerald Hernández-Heredia; Victor Loperena-Méndez; María E. Medina-Rosa, a.k.a. “Enid”; José Manuel Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Duait”; Carlos J. González-La Santa, a.k.a. “Jova”; Modesto Matos-Vizcarrondo, a.k.a. “Mode”; Edgardo Román-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Galdo”; Nichirien Llanos-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Nichi”; Héctor Jesús Rondón, a.k.a. “Abayalde”; José De león-Lozada, a.k.a. “Pepón”; Deyanira Pérez-Rodríguez; Luis Felipe García-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Felo”; Joseph González, a.k.a. “Yopi”; Christabel M. Hernández-Núñez, a.k.a. “Gordita”; Abigail Quiñonez-Fuentes; Jacob Quiñones-Fuentes, a.k.a. “Acosta”; Geovanny Diarza-Flores, a.k.a. “El Veterano”; Lester Raffuci-Ojeda, a.k.a. “Lesty”; and Oswaldo Galindo-Zapien.

“These indictments and the arrests this morning are a significant victory in our efforts to combat drug trafficking, money laundering and violent crime,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to dismantle these criminal organizations and to send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Chattah is in charge of the prosecution of the cases. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – United States District Court Senior Judge Daniel R. Domínguez sentenced Yaira Tanies Cotto-Flores to 10 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release for one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

On April 27, 2018, after a nine-day jury trial and four hours of deliberation, Yaira Tanies Cotto-Flores was found guilty of one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. According to the evidence presented at trial, on March 1, 2016, the defendant transported a 14-year-old male student to a motel located in San Lorenzo, PR, with the intent to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Cotto-Flores was the victim’s English teacher. They met at the beginning of the school year and the defendant gave the victim various gifts including an acne treatment kit, a neckband and a Bulova wristwatch.

“This sentence should serve to reassure the public that we are paying close attention to the well-being of our children, and that we will spare no expense to take child predators off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We entrust teachers to serve as role models for our children and safeguard their welfare. The jury found Ms. Cotto-Flores guilty of robbing a child’s innocence and causing harm to the victim and his family. As this conviction makes clear, when that trust is violated, there are severe consequences.”

“Children who are sexually exploited either physically or through the dissemination of child pornography suffer immeasurable harm,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “And while this significant sentence cannot repair the damage done, it should serve as a stark reminder that we are watching and the aggressive investigation and prosecution of predators remains a high priority for HSI.”

The criminal prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea. ICE-HSI was in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, after a 11-day jury trial, a jury found Oscar Martínez-Hernández, a.k.a. “Cali;” guilty of the murder of Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati-Casañas, a Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez. Lieutenant Albarati was murdered on February 26, 2013.

On January 28, 2015 a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a six count indictment charging nine individuals for the murder of Lieutenant Albarati. Defendants Ángel D. Ramos-Cruz, a.k.a. “Api;” Miguel Díaz-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bolo;” Juan Quiñones-Meléndez, a.k.a. “El Manco;” Orlando Mojica-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Yogui;” Jayson Rodríguez-González, a.k.a. “Gonzo;” and Alexander Rosario de León, a.k.a. “Coquí;” are awaiting trial. Defendants Carlos Rosado-Rosado, a.k.a. “Cano;” and Jancarlos Velázquez-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Jan,” pleaded guilty on August 13, 2018.

During trial, the government proved that during the period of time prior to Albarati’s murder, Oscar Martínez-Hernández, a.k.a. “Cali;” was incarcerated at the MDC facility pending sentencing in another federal drug case. Martínez-Hernández would consistently use cell phones and had other contraband in his possession while in the facility. Martínez-Hernández and other inmates were angered that Lieutenant Albarati, a member of BOP’s Special Investigations Section, was consistently searching for contraband in the facility and challenged the leadership of the inmate population, including Oscar Martínez-Hernández. The government proved that Martínez-Hernández and these other inmates made a plan to pay individuals in the free community to murder Lt. Albarati as he went home from work.

At trial, witnesses testified that Martínez-Hernández watched from his cell on the evening of February 26, 2013 as Lt. Albarati left in his white Veloster and signaled to other inmates who were communicating with the hired gunman using a contraband cell phone. The gunman waited on the shoulder of Highway 22 near the Buchanan toll. The gunman stalked Lt. Albarati’s vehicle and eventually gunned down Lt. Albarati as he drove home. The gunmen used four .40 caliber fully automatic Glock pistols to commit the murder.

Evidence showed that Oscar Martínez-Hernández had agreed to contribute money for the murder and assisted with signaling to other inmates when Lt. Albarati left work. The jury found the defendant guilty of all six counts including the murder of a federal officer, murder for hire, conspiracy, and related firearms offenses.

“Throughout his law enforcement career, Lieutenant Albarati’s service was exemplary, selfless and courageous,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “With this conviction we take another step towards our goal of holding those who carried out this reprehensible and senseless murder accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice will continue to honor Lieutenant Albarati’s legacy as a public servant, his dedication to safeguard the community, and his integrity.”

The murder of government employees and officials is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life. Murder for hire is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for any terms of years or for life. Use of a firearm resulting in death is also punishable by a maximum term of life.

The case was investigated by the FBI with the collaboration of the U.S.s Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Miami Field Office, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, DEA, ATF, the United States Marshals Service, ICE-HSI, the Puerto Rico Police Department, the San Juan Municipal Police, and other law enforcement agencies that covered hundreds of leads developed as a result of the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas W. Cannon and Max Pérez-Bouret.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Senator Abel Nazario-Quiñones was arrested and charged in a 39-count indictment alleging the making or use of false documents and wire fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Comptroller’s Office, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the FBI are in charge of the investigation. 

Defendant Nazario-Quiñones was first elected Mayor of Yauco, a municipality in Southwest Puerto Rico, in 2000, and continued to be the mayor until December of 2016. In May 2013, during a routine audit of the Municipality’s records, the PR Comptroller’s Office discovered that municipal employees were required to work two voluntary hours per day. This issue was referred to the DOL Wage and Hour Division (WHD), which determined that this voluntary work requirement was a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

On February 2015, Nazario-Quiñones signed a Back Wage Compliance Payment Agreement with the DOL Wage and Hour Division in which he agreed to pay back wages totaling $588,961.43 to 177 municipal employees for the period of August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2014 according to a predetermined schedule listing each employee who was owed wages, the amount they were owed, and the date by which each employee had to be paid. The Agreement allowed the Municipality until February 2018 to complete all the payments.

In August 2016, during their next routine audit of the Municipality’s records, the PR Comptroller’s Office learned that, although employees had been receiving lump sum payments according to the terms of the Agreement, the Municipality unilaterally began withholding the employees’ regular wages without the knowledge or consent of the DOL WHD. This issue was referred to the DOL WHD who, in November 2016, referred it to the DOL Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The DOL OIG ultimately identified 30 contract municipal employees who, by the end of his mayoral term in 2016, Nazario-Quiñones had certified were paid their back wages pursuant to the Agreement. The DOL OIG also determined that those 30 contract municipal employees, after receiving the wages to which they were entitled under the Agreement, had their regular pay with-held for certain periods of time at the direction of Nazario-Quiñones while he provided various explanations to the employees as to why they were receiving these lump sum checks. 

According to the indictment, between February 2015 and December 2016, Nazario-Quiñones falsely certified to the Department of Labor that he had paid back wages to the employees, according to the terms of the Agreement, and that he would not take any retaliatory action against the employees for accepting the payment.  In fact, however, Nazario-Quiñones directed the payroll department to withhold future earnings of these employees for varying lengths of time, despite their continued work for the municipality. It is also alleged that defendant committed wire fraud as some of the forms used to certify the payments to the DOL WHD were sent via email.

“The defendant’s conduct undermines the confidence employees place in those who are supposed to protect and represent them,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Government officials are governed by rules that are supposed to protect employees and the public. Yauco’s former mayor, skilled at convincing individuals to place their trust in him, engaged in a scheme to defraud his own employees. We will continue investigating and prosecuting this type of financial fraud to the full extent of the law.”

“An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations that relate to U.S. Department of Labor programs designed to protect the wages of the American workforce. We will continue to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, U. S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Anderson. The case was investigated by the Puerto Rico Comptroller’s Office, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the FBI. Defendant Nazario-Quiñones is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.

An indictment is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Oscar Ferrer-Rivera pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Marshal D. Morgan to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, twelve counts of mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

As a part of the guilty plea, Ferrer-Rivera admitted that from January 2011 to January 2016, in the District of Puerto Rico, he engaged in a scheme to defraud and conspired with others to engage in a scheme to defraud by lying and materially misrepresenting to individuals residing in Puerto Rico that he would invest the individual’s money in stocks, funds, securities, and other financial products (“investment vehicles”) with guaranteed principal and a fixed rate of return.

In furtherance of the scheme to defraud, Ferrer-Rivera falsely represented that the investment vehicles were safe, that all principal was guaranteed, and that the investment vehicle would earn a fixed rate of return. Ferrer-Rivera also falsely represented that the individual’s money would actually be invested in an investment vehicle. Ferrer-Rivera created corporations in Puerto Rico and Florida to open bank accounts and to deposit individual’s investment payments. These corporations, named Reco Financial, Inc., National Western HIA, Inc., and CGB Financial, Inc., were then used by Ferrer-Rivera to transfer investor’s funds to himself and others. Ferrer-Rivera then mailed false investment statements and interest payments to investors that falsely represented that funds were invested, falsely identified a type of investment, and falsely characterized the investment as having guaranteed principal and interest. In fact, Ferrer-Rivera failed to invest the investor’s money. The government estimates that the total amount invested in this fraudulent scheme exceeds $5 million, mainly from victims residing in the Cabo Rojo area of Puerto Rico.

Ferrer-Rivera also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft in relation to his July 7, 2016 use of another individual’s social security card and birth certificate to obtain a Puerto Rico identification from the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation. This occurred while Ferrer-Rivera was released on bail pending trial. The illegally obtained Puerto Rico identification was utilized by Ferrer-Rivera to flee the jurisdiction in violation of his pretrial conditions of release and to illegally obtain a Florida driver’s license. Ferrer-Rivera was arrested in Florida in March 2017 and remains detained pending sentencing.

If you think you have been defrauded by defendant Oscar Ferrer-Rivera please call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (787) 766-5656 or the FBI at (787) 754-6000 to report that you suspect you are a victim of fraud.

Sentencing will be scheduled by the presiding District Judge, the Honorable Pedro A. Delgado. Ferrer-Rivera faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment for each of the conspiracy and mail fraud charges and two mandatory consecutive years of imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe and was investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, defendant, Pedro L. González-Seijo, President and owner of PGS Insurance, Inc., was arrested and charged in an eleven-count indictment alleging securities fraud and bank fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  

From on or about the year 2012, Pedro L. González-Seijo d/b/a “PGS Insurance, Inc.”, personally and through others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, diverted money from his clients through the following manners and means: the defendant would accept checks from his clients that were meant to be deposited into the clients’ variable annuity account. Instead of depositing these checks into the clients’ variable annuity account, and without authorization from the clients, he deposited the money directly into his Banco Popular bank account, for his own personal gain and use. González-Seijo, without authorization from the clients, would withdraw money from his clients’ funds, and then deposit the withdrawal, minus any required withdrawal fees, into his Banco Popular bank account for his own personal gain and use.

It is also alleged that the defendant diverted money by getting authorization from his clients to withdraw money from his clients’ funds, supposedly to invest in a different product. González-Seijo would deposit the money into his personal account for his own personal gain and use. As a result of the scheme, Pedro L. González-Seijo d/b/a “PGS Insurance, Inc.” and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, diverted money from his clients in the total amount of $210,203.20 from variable annuities, $372,958.05 from fixed annuities, for a total of $583,161.25, resulting in losses to investors either through the inability to acquire more capital through securities growth, or through the fees and penalties associated with early withdrawals.

In or about March 2018, Banco Popular closed the bank accounts that the defendant used as a result of the unusual activity detected in the bank account. In total, the amount of money diverted or withdrawn from his clients’ insurance accounts and variable annuities accounts was $583,161.25.

“The defendant’s alleged conduct undermines the confidence investors place in the financial markets,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Financial markets are governed by rules that are supposed to protect investors. This defendant, skilled at convincing individuals to place their trust in him, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors, and ultimately cost them thousands of dollars. We will continue investigating and prosecuting this type of financial fraud to the full extent of the law.”

Douglas Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in San Juan, PR and the Caribbean stated: “FBI San Juan's White Collar Crime Squad continues to investigate the extensive fraud involved in this case. We believe that there are additional victims and witnesses, and the faster we identify them, the more quickly we and the United States Attorney's Office can seek justice for those who have been hurt. Anyone with information can reach us at 787-754-6000 and tips.fbi.gov.”

Investors who believe they are victims of Pedro L. González-Seijo and signed investment contracts with González-Seijo are encouraged to contact the US Attorney’s Office to be informed of the proceedings and their rights to restitution.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Veronda. The case was investigated by the FBI. Defendant González-Seijo is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.

An indictment is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On August 30, 2018, Edgar Arroyo-Amezquita pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll to bribery and conspiracy to obtain property by fraud from a program receiving federal funds, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

As a part of the guilty plea, Arroyo admitted that he served as Director of Facilities for the Municipality of Toa Baja during the time of the conspiracy, which was from May 2011 through May 2013. In his position as Director of Facilities, Arroyo conspired to defraud the municipality and accepted multiple bribes, paid in cash and totaling $39,999, in exchange for causing contracts to be awarded and payments to be made by the Municipality of Toa Baja to enrich co-defendant Luis Serrano Perdigon.

As a part of the conspiracy, Arroyo personally submitted fraudulent quote documentation to the purchasing office of the Municipality of Toa Baja using a fictitious company named Professional Sales & Service.  In doing so, Arroyo utilized, without consent or legal authority, the name and signature of a real person on the fraudulent quote documentation submitted to the municipality. Arroyo then caused checks to be issued by the municipality to Professional Sales & Service, which were deposited into a bank account in the name of ALS Electronic Service, a company alleged to be controlled by co-defendant Luis Serrano Perdigon.

Sentencing has been scheduled before the Honorable Carmen C. Cerezo on December 5, 2018. Arroyo and the United States have agreed to recommend a sentence of imprisonment for a term of 30 months and restitution in the full amount of $39,999. Arroyo faces a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment for the conspiracy to obtain property by fraud from a program receiving federal funds and a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Erbe and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On August 23, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 20 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of Guaynabo, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Bayamón Strike Force Unit, are in charge of the investigation. This case is part of the US Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

The indictment alleges that beginning in or about 2013, the organization distributed heroin, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), and Tramadol all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the La Rosaleda Public Housing Project, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, the Yambele Ward (“Barrio Yambele”), and other areas nearby, and within the Municipalities of Guaynabo and San Juan, Puerto Rico, all for significant financial gain and profit.

The 20 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners and sellers. Thirteen of the defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime.

According to the indictment, it was further part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that individuals suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, or who were suspected of not being loyal to the organization or its members, were forcefully evicted from their apartments at the La Rosaleda Public Housing Project. Organization members would then keep the apartments, at times with the acquiescence of La Rosaleda’s administration.

As part of the conspiracy, armed conspirators provided security to the drug point. The organization and its leaders would maintain contact with its incarcerated members through the use of cell phones.

The defendants are: [1] Jean Carlos Benitez-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Wako/Yanki/W”; [2] Santos Daniel Rondón-García, a.k.a. “Dan”; [3] Allen Miranda-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Duke/Alex Miranda/Dk”; [4] Santos Meléndez-Pizarro, a.k.a. “Peligro/Danger/Kiko/K”; [5] José Cabrera-Cañuelas, a.k.a. “Cheo”; [6] Jesús Alexis Pastrana-González,  a.k.a. “Alexis Pastrana/Pastrana”; [7] Javier Meléndez Castro, a.k.a. “Verdugo/Melen”; [8] Brian D. López-Torres, a.k.a. “El Gordo”; [9] Pedro Cuevas-Berrios, a.k.a. “Piri/Goldo”; [10] Edgar Cana-Serrano; [11] Joshua Joel Luna-Irizarry; [12] Brandon Joseph Alago-De Jesús; [13] Ángel Luis Rosado-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Chino”; [14] Eduardo Benitez-Meléndez, a.k.a.“Mamel”; [15] Adams García-Camacho, a.k.a. “Adam”; [16] Ángel Damian Febus-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Damian/Ak”; [17] Ian Dariel La Santa-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Menor”; [18] Nelson O. López-Ortega, a.k.a. “Zombi”; [19] Luis Albert Bonilla, a.k.a. “Albert”; [20] Julio David Andino-Diaz, a.k.a. “Jdian”.

“This indictment and the arrests this morning are a significant victory in our efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to dismantle these criminal organizations and to send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”

“This successful investigation was a result of the dedicated efforts of the men and women of ATF Puerto Rico who work diligently, every day, to ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Ari Shapira, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa S. Zapata-Valladares is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. Attorney General Sessions directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Aug. 23 and 24, 2018, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned seven separate indictments charging 11 individuals with fraud against the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability insurance benefits in Puerto Rico, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. These cases were investigated by the Social Security Office of Inspector General (SS-OIG) with the collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, U.S. Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, and the Puerto Rico Police Department.

The SSA is responsible for the implementation of the Disability Insurance Benefits Program. The SSA provides monetary benefits to workers with severe, long-term disabilities, who have worked in SSA covered employment for a required length of time. Spouses and dependent children of disabled workers may also be eligible to receive benefits.

Pursuant to SSA regulations, a claimant must prove to SSA that he or she is disabled by furnishing medical and other evidence with the application. The application and supporting evidence would then be evaluated by SSA to determine the individual’s medical impairments and determine the effect of the impairment on the claimant’s ability to work on a sustained basis.

Six indictments charged 10 individuals with theft of government property, concealment, or failure to disclose work activity to SSA, and false statements or representations to the SSA. These defendants knowingly and willfully embezzled, stole, and converted to their own use the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit payments to which the defendants knew that they were not entitled. The seventh indictment charges Teresa González-Hernández with 40 counts of wire fraud against SSA.

The defendants who are alleged to have accepted by fraud the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit payments, knowing that they were not entitled to the same, are: Evelyn Morales-Calderón and Victor Soriano-Morales (son of Evelyn Morales) received $190,110.00; Mario Zayas-Rodríguez and Elvin Santiago-Rodríguez (employer of Mario Zayas) received $118,098.20; José Alcazar-Román received $97,004.80; Alvin Alvelo-Crespo received $92,101.50; Abraham Burgos-Torres and Karla Burgos-Colón (daughter of Abraham Burgos) received $90,335.50; Nelson Concepción-Santana received $41,261.00; Wanda Rivera-Martínez received $41,204.40; and Teresa González-Hernández received $57,947.00.

Defendant Alvin Alvelo-Crespo was also charged with healthcare fraud. The defendant fraudulently caused Medicare to pay approximately $8,545.33 based on fraudulent claims. This defendant is also facing one count of Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster (Hurricane María) or Emergency Benefits. Alvelo-Crespo falsely represented to FEMA that his combined family pre-disaster gross income was $9,264.00 and that the residence located at Almirante Norte in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico was his primary residence when Hurricane María struck Puerto Rico. In fact, however, the defendant’s combined family pre-disaster gross income was higher than $9,264.00 and the residence located at Almirante Norte was not his primary residence at the moment Hurricane María struck Puerto Rico. The defendant received $500.00 for Critical Needs Assistance; $14,282.79 for Home Repair Assistance; $10,431.15 for Personal Property Assistance; and $1,486.00 for Rental Assistance, for a total of $26,699.94. All this assistance was authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed or paid by, electronic fund transfers into his bank account.

Defendant Teresa González-Hernández was a social worker at Entity A, an entity located in San Juan, Puerto Rico that assists homeless individuals. Her victim with initials J.L.M, was a client or beneficiary of Entity A. On or about Sept. 4, 2008, González-Hernández abused her position of trust as a social worker for J.L.M. and opened a joint account with J.L.M. at Scotiabank of Puerto Rico. On Oct. 28, 2010, J.L.M. requested SSA that his disability benefits, which were later automatically converted to retirement benefits, be directly deposited into the joint account. After J.L.M. died on Nov. 19, 2010, González-Hernández failed to notify SSA about his death, and the DIB and Retirement benefits belonging to J.L.M. continued to be deposited into the joint account. González-Hernández embezzled the benefits that SSA issued to J.L.M., benefits which she knew she was not entitled to. As a result of the scheme, between Jan. 26, 2011, and continuing through Nov. 23, 2016, SSA made 71 electronic payment transactions to the joint account totaling $57,947.00.

“We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to defraud or exploit the federal assistance programs established to help the most vulnerable of our communities,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The Department of Justice is committed to investigate and prosecute those who engage in fraudulent schemes. This round of arrests should discourage more people from getting involved in these types of schemes, because we will continue investigating these crimes.”

Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso stated: “The Office of the Inspector General is the law enforcement arm of the Social Security Administration and protects agency programs from fraud, waste and abuse, including the Disability Insurance program. This program is intended to support individuals who are truly in need of this important and earned benefit. The program relies on the truthfulness of disability applicants, and those who provide information to SSA on their behalf. When people lie about their medical condition, work activity, or other relevant facts necessary for SSA to make a proper decision in relation to the payment of benefits, as alleged in these criminal complaints, they are in effect looting from the Social Security Trust Fund. I strongly encourage the public to continue to report suspected instances of Social Security fraud to our dedicated hotline at 1-855-278-5982 or oig.ssa.gov/report, because we cannot do it alone.”

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodríguez is in charge of the prosecution of these cases. If convicted, the defendants charged with SSA fraud could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; the defendant charged with Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster (Hurricane María) or Emergency Benefits faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison and the defendant charged with wire fraud faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. All defendants are subject to a fine of up to $250,000.00. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.

Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims, and to be especially cautious of anyone who contacts you seeking personal identifying information or financial information. Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or who believe that they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov. Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.

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SAN JUAN, PR – Today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí sentenced Juan E. Seary-Colón, a.k.a. “Ricky Diablo” to life imprisonment for Hobbs Act robbery that resulted in murder, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) were in charge of the investigation.

On February 27, 2018, after a four-day jury trial, a jury found Seary-Colón guilty of Hobbs Act robbery, murder with a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and other federal firearms offenses. During trial, the government proved that on April 3, 2012, Seary-Colón, entered Piezas Importadas Inc., a business dedicated to the sale of automobile parts in Carolina, PR, and without warning, shot the manager, David Méndez-Calderón, killing him almost instantly. The government presented eyewitness testimony that narrated how the defendant and another assailant entered the store, shot Mr. Méndez-Calderón, and stole approximately $1,000.00 from Piezas Importadas’ employees. Seary-Colón was identified by eyewitnesses in the days after the robbery and was arrested by PRPD and the FBI on April 6, 2012.  

Seary-Colón had an extensive criminal history that included two murder convictions at the local level.

“I hope that this sentence will help Mr. Méndez-Calderón’s family find some closure,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to work diligently to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law. This crime was truly a senseless and depraved act that took the life of a hard-working and beloved member of our community.” 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Cannon.

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On August 1, 2018, a Federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Creative Educational and Psychological Services, Inc., the president of the corporation Coral Rivera-Arroyo, and three other employees with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy to commit theft and conversion of government money and property, and theft of government money and property, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Department of Education- Office of Inspector General, and the FBI are in charge of the investigation with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Comptroller’s Office.

The indictment alleges that from in or about 2011 through in or around 2014, defendants Rivera-Arroyo, Frankil González-Pagán, Dennys Alfredo Soto, and Myrnaliz Navarro-Rodríguez   engaged in a conspiracy and scheme to defraud by invoicing and charging the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PR DOE) for services that were not rendered or were not payable under Creative’s contract with PR DOE. The scheme included falsely reporting to PR DOE that Creative had provided Supplemental Educational Services (SES) tutoring for specific hours to specific students when, in fact, not all of the invoiced services for SES tutoring had been provided to all of the students.

The conspiracy and scheme to defraud included, but was not limited to the fabrication of false biometric attendance records; false records supporting manual attendance entries; false records supporting the notification of the post-test; and forging the signatures of students, parents, and teachers in the records.

During the duration of the conspiracy, Creative Educational and Psychological Services, Inc., through its employees and/or contractors, knowingly caused the PR DOE to issue approximately 32 checks payable to Creative totaling $24,927,125.56 in Title I funds in payment of invoices containing and supported by materially false information and forged signatures.

“Supplemental Education Services program funds provide critical resources for deserving students who seek to improve their academic performance. Individuals and businesses who choose to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of our students and the U.S. taxpayer, instead of providing the educational services invoiced, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests demonstrate the combined federal commitment to combating fraud, waste and abuse”.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Erbe. If found guilty, defendants are facing a maximum penalty of 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.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued a 48-page opinion affirming the conviction of former Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge Manuel Acevedo-Hernández, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Manuel Acevedo-Hernández appealed his conviction of having participated in a conspiracy to bribe an agent of an organization receiving federal funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and of receiving a bribe, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B). Acevedo-Hernández challenged his conviction and sentence citing a number of alleged trial and sentencing errors.

In upholding the jury’s verdict and sentence, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals concluded the following: “The record reflects that Acevedo’s conviction was not tainted by prejudicial error either from the admission of Rodríguez’s testimony or in the government’s opening statement or closing argument, and the evidence of his guilt was more than sufficient to support the jury's verdict. It further shows that the court did not abuse its discretion in upholding Lutgardo’s invocation of his Fifth Amendment privilege. Finally, the record reflects that any sentencing error would be harmless. Accordingly, Acevedo’s conviction and sentence are affirmed.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico congratulates all the prosecutors and agents who worked tirelessly in the investigation and prosecution of Acevedo-Hernández, with great success,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

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SAN JUAN, PR – Today United States District Judge Carmen Consuelo Cerezo sentenced MORA Development to pay a fine of $3 million, serve a five-year term of probation and make restitution to a family whose children were affected by the criminal conduct. Judge Cerezo ordered that Mr. Cleofe Rubi-Gonzalez personally guarantee payment of all financial obligations imposed on the company.

Mora Development Corporation previously pled guilty to a one-count Information charging a violation of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1311 and 1319 (c) (2) for discharging the sanitary wastewater generated from residences at Las Cascadas II Development in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico from a holding tank through a point source (a by-pass pipe) into the Toa Alta Municipal storm water system and then into Quilan Creek which flows into La Plata River, a water of the United States without a National Pollution Elimination System (NPDS) permit. La Plata River serves approximately 80,000 people in Puerto Rico.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to enforce federal laws which protect the environment and the public,” said Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Today’s sentence should serve as a deterrent to those who consider discharging waste water into our creeks. Our office will continue to work with all law enforcement agencies in order to help prevent release of hazardous material into our creeks, protect workers and the local community.”

“Mora Development Corporation knowingly cut corners to save money by discharging raw sewage into the La Plata River without proper treatment in violation of the Clean Water Act,” said Tyler Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of Criminal Investigation Division for EPA’s Region 2 Office in New York. “The scheme to hide an illegal sewage system is a short-sighted business decision that put the community’s health and environment at risk. EPA will continue to work directly with our Commonwealth partners to investigate and seek prosecution of environmental crime offenders.”

The government presented evidence that over the course of the time prior to properly connecting with PRASA, MORA discharged more than 29,000,000 gallons of sewage into the municipal stormwater system and into Quilan Creek.

The former Project Manager, Jose Merino had also pled guilty previously and was sentenced to 6 months’ probation.

The case was prosecuted by the Howard P. Stewart Senior Litigation Counsel of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice, and Assistant United States Attorney Carmen Marquez of the United States Attorney’s Office. The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Criminal Investigation Division.

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