District of Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On June 3, 2025, United States District Court Chief Judge Raúl M. Arias Marxuach sentenced Elvin Jhohanie Molina-Rosado to 300 months (25 years) in prisonfollowed by 15 years of supervised release for child exploitation charges against a female minor victim. Molina-Rosado, 36, from Corozal, PR, was indicted on January 26, 2024, and plead guilty on February 14, 2025.

According to court documents, from February 2020 to April 2022 Elvin Jhohanie Molina Rosado knowingly employed, used, and coerced a minor female, when she was between the ages of twelve and fourteen years old, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, that is images of sexual acts and lascivious exhibition of the genital and pubic areas. The visual depictions were produced using his cellular devices. In April 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force received information from the Police of Puerto Rico regarding the allegations that Defendant had sexually abused and recorded sexually explicit images of the minor female. The investigation led to the arrest and prosecution of Elvin Jhohanie Molina Rosado.

“This case demonstrates the resolve of the Department of Justice to prosecute those who exploit and victimize our children,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I thank our dedicated team of prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, support personnel, as well as our dedicated law enforcement partners and their relentless efforts to combat child exploitation and to bring offenders to justice.”

“Adults have a fundamental responsibility to protect our children—not to exploit or harm them. This case represents a violation of that duty, and the sentence reflects the seriousness we put toward the investigation and prosecution of these crimes,” said Rebecca González-Ramos, HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge. “The exploitation of a child is abominable. Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our mission to protect our children. Individuals involved in these heinous acts should know that no matter where they hide, if they exploit a minor we will find them. — This 25 years sentence of incarceration and 15 years of supervised release ensure this predator can no longer harm a child.”

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 21, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a 49-count indictment charging 10 individuals with defrauding the government to obtain Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. This criminal investigation was co-led by the United States Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to court documents, from 2020 to 2025, defendant Ángel Carrer-Rivera used his position as an employee of the VA to access the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) and assign particular claims to VA employees that he supervised. At the same time, Ángel Carrer-Rivera communicated with a facilitator, defendant Richard Rivera-Maitin, regarding what false medical conditions should be claimed by specific veterans to fraudulently obtain disability benefits.

Together, Ángel Carrer-Rivera, Richard Rivera-Maitin and various veterans caused fraudulent claims for lifetime VA disability benefits to be submitted and approved based on false medical conditions, all in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§  371 (conspiracy), 1349 (wire and mail fraud conspiracy); 1341 (mail fraud); and 1343 (wire fraud). In doing so, defendants financially enriched themselves and caused a substantial financial loss to the United States.

Ángel Carrer-Rivera and Richard Rivera-Maitin charged and received payments for facilitating the approval of VA disability applications based on false information. The veterans participating in the scheme fraudulently received VA disability benefit payments.

“The defendants created and executed a scheme to defraud the United States Veteran’s Benefits Administration, which administers vital programs that provide disability benefits, pension and survivor benefits, education assistance, among other benefits. These defendants exploited a program intended to assist veterans who are truly in need,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the outstanding work of the FBI and VA OIG agents and law enforcement partners who uncovered and investigated this conspiracy.”

“This case is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to combat fraud and other unlawful conduct committed by predatory claims companies or individuals against veterans and VA,” said David Spilker, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Southeast Field Office, Criminal Investigations Division (CID). “Entities involved in these schemes often are unaccredited and make false or fraudulent promises to obtain or increase a veteran’s VA benefits while demanding direct payment or a portion of the veteran’s benefits in exchange. These indictments and arrests highlight the VA OIG’s dedication to root out those who prey on veterans for financial gain, along with anyone who exaggerates or concocts a disability to receive or increase VA compensation benefits.”

“This investigation revealed a disgraceful scheme to defraud a system meant to serve our most vulnerable veterans. This is shameful and the FBI and our partners will not tolerate this kind of betrayal,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “I want to thank our partners at the VA Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Police of Puerto Rico, the San Juan Municipal Police, and the dedicated FBI case team for their outstanding work. The FBI remains committed to identifying and dismantling fraud that steals from the American people and dishonors those who served.”

The defendants and their roles in the conspiracy are:

[1] Ángel Carrer-Rivera, is a resident of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, who started working at the VA in January 2009. In February 2020, he was promoted to VA Coach where he supervised eighteen Rating Veteran Service Representatives (RVSA) who adjudicated (granted, denied, confirmed, and continuing) veteran disability claims.

[2] Richard Rivera-Maitin, is a resident of Morovis, Puerto Rico, the owner of an auto repair business, and a veteran but not employed by the VA. He identified veterans who did not have a 100% disability rating and offered to help them obtain a 100% rating for an upfront cash fee plus a percentage of any backpay the veteran received. Rivera-Maitin instructed veterans exactly what false information to provide when attending medical evaluations and completing their disability application paperwork. Rivera-Maitin assisted, among others, veterans charged in the indictment to fraudulently obtain significant disability ratings:

[3] Victor García-Soto – a veteran who fraudulently obtained a 100% disability rating.

[4] Brenda García acted as a facilitator between co-conspirators and was the wife of [3] Victor García-Soto, mother of [5] Gabriel García, and sister of [6] Randolph Báez.

[5] Gabriel García – a veteran and police officer who fraudulently obtained a 100% disability rating.

[6] Randolph Báez – a veteran and commercial flight attendant who fraudulently obtained a 60% disability rating.

[7] José Torres-Rosado – a veteran who fraudulently obtained a 90% disability rating.

[8] Eladio Pagán -- a veteran and commercial airline pilot who fraudulently obtained a 70% disability rating.

[9] Ignacio Ramos-Class – a veteran and Department of Homeland Security officer who fraudulently obtained a 100% disability rating.

[10] Félix Arroyo-Rivera – a veteran who fraudulently obtained a 90% disability rating.

If convicted, the defendants could face the following penalties: up to five years of imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud the United States and up to 20 years of imprisonment for the substantive and conspiracy mail and wire fraud counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG are in charge of the investigation of the case, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, the San Juan Municipal Police, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson from the Financial Fraud & Public Corruption Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico is prosecuting the case.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 14, 2025, United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll sentenced Efraín Pablo Cruz-González to 450 months (37 years and six months) in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for child exploitation charges against four female minor victims. Cruz-González, 36, from Toa Baja, PR, was indicted on February 15, 2024, and plead guilty on February 6, 2025.

According to court documents, from August 2019 to May 2022, Efraín Pablo Cruz-González knowingly used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a female minor between the ages of seven and 10-years-old, and another female minor between the ages of four and seven years of age to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant used a cellular phone to record the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

On December 24, 2019, and August 19, 2021, the defendant used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced two other female minors of prepubescent ages to produce images of them engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

“The defendant engaged in acts of sexual exploitation against defenseless children and produced videos of his sexual abuse for his personal gratification,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Our dedicated team of prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, and support personnel will continue to work with our equally-dedicated law enforcement partners to combat child exploitation and to bring these offenders to justice.”

“Let this sentence serve as a clear warning—there is no safe haven in Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands for predators who exploit children,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Juan Field Office. “This outcome is a direct result of the swift, relentless efforts of our agents and partners, who acted with precision and resolve. We are committed to defending the most vulnerable among us, and we will continue to pursue justice with urgency and focus wherever these crimes occur.”

The FBI investigated the case and Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Emelina Agrait Barreto of the United States Attorney’s Office Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case.

Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute crimes. Citizens with information about child exploitation crimes or any other federal crime are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-987-6500, or to submit tips through the FBI’s internet complaint portal at Tips.FBI.gov.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Derek Orengo Delgado, a 24-year-old from Ponce, Puerto Rico, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged child exploitation conduct, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Orengo Delgado on May 8, 2025.

On May 7, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Derek Orengo Delgado on charges involving the coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child exploitation material, and transfer of obscene material to a female minor.

According to court documents, in or about January 2025, Orengo Delgado used a cellphone, online instant messaging services, and social media to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a 15-year-old female minor to engage in sexual activity, and to produce a visual depiction of the conduct. From January 11 to January 12, 2025, Orengo Delgado knowingly transported the female minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity, and to produce sexually explicit images of a minor.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who exploit minors for sexual purposes,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Those who prey on children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“No child should be deceived by a person they trust,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos. “This case underscores the importance of zero-tolerance approach toward crimes against children. Our HSI agents are relentless and will continue to work with law enforcement partners to identify and prevent child exploitation in Puerto Rico.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega, Chief of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI is in charge of the investigation.

If convicted for the charges the defendant faces the following penalties: (1) coercion and enticement of a minor - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison; (2) transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity -- a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison; (3) production of sexual exploitation material – 15 to 30 years in prison; (4) receipt of child exploitation material – 5 to 20 years in prison; and (5) transfer of obscene material to a minor – up to 10 years in prison.  All charges of conviction are to be followed by a term of supervised release after imprisonment of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov. To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969 or send an email to IntelHSISanJuan@hsi.dhs.gov.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 24, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging five individuals with conspiracy to kidnap and the attempted kidnapping of a man in Mayagüez on July 12, 2024, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office.

According to the Indictment, beginning on a date unknown, but not later than on or about May 21, 2024, to on or about July 12, 2024, defendants  [1] Edilberto Aponte-Sánchez, [2] Anthony Esquilín-Guzmán, [3] Ramdy Kaleb Ocasio-Pagán, [4] Jocner Martínez-Correa, and [5] Dylan Camacho-Álvarez conspired and agreed with each other to unlawfully and willfully kidnap, abduct, or carry away and hold for ransom, reward, or otherwise, H.R.G. by using means, facility, or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in committing or in furtherance of the commission of the offense, namely motor vehicles, messaging applications, and cellular telephones in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(c). The defendants are also charged with the attempted kidnapping of the victim (H.R.G.) in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(d) and 2.

On July 12, 2024, the defendants attempted to kidnap the victim (H.R.G.) from a parking lot in Mayagüez by trying to force him into a van. The victim fought back, and the defendants fled the scene.

“I commend the tireless efforts of the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and prosecutors in the investigation of this case,” said United States Attorney Muldrow. “This case reinforces the importance of being aware of your surroundings at all times -- whether you are leaving the bank or ATM after making a withdrawal of money, putting gasoline in your car, or just walking down the street while texting on your cell phone. If you see something that doesn’t look right, trust your instincts.”

“Violence in our communities will never be tolerated,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will relentlessly investigate those who prey on innocent people — wherever they hide, however long it takes.”

If convicted, the defendants face a sentence of up to life in prison as to the conspiracy to commit kidnapping and up to twenty years in prison for the attempted kidnapping. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Deputy Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit Jeanette Collazo and AUSA Corinne Cordero Romo are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 25 violent gang members from the municipality of Mayagüez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Mayagüez Strike Force were in charge of the investigation of the case, with the collaboration of the United States Marshal Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Response Team (SRT), and the Guaynabo Municipal Police SRT collaborated during the arrests.

“The prosecution of this drug trafficking gang demonstrates our determined efforts to protect our communities from the violent crime and gun violence they bring to our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Our prosecutors will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to make our neighborhoods safe and bring criminals to justice.”

“Today, we sent a clear message: violence, drugs, and organized crime will find no safe haven in Puerto Rico,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Thanks to the courage of our Special Agents and Police of Puerto Rico Task Force Officers, with the unwavering support of our federal partners, we disrupted a criminal network that terrorized our communities for years. The FBI remains fully committed to protecting our people, restoring peace to our neighborhoods, and holding violent offenders accountable.”

The indictment alleges that from in or about April 2021 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, and marihuana within 1,000 feet of Rafael Hernández (Kennedy) Public Housing Project (PHP), the Manuel Hernández Rosa (Candelaria PHP), the El Carmen (PHP), and other areas nearby nearby the municipality of Mayagüez, all for significant financial gain and profit.

The goal of the drug trafficking organization was to maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities within the controlled areas using force, threats, violence, and intimidation.  In preserving power and protecting territory, the members of the organization incurred in violent acts including but not limited to murder in order to protect themselves and their organization. Members of the criminal organization also transported and distributed kilogram quantities of cocaine.

As part of the conspiracy, the defendants had meetings to discuss strategy and plan of their criminal activities, including but not limited to acts of violence. The co-conspirators held meetings to discuss drug trafficking business and issues between gang members. During said meetings, incarcerated defendants and co-conspirators would participate via phone call. The defendants and their co-conspirators used violence to take over other areas and sell their own narcotics at those areas to increase their power and profits.

The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to include: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, drug processors, lookouts, and facilitators. The members of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to intimidate rival drug trafficking organizations, and to discipline members of their own organization. The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are:

[1] Jonathan Martínez González, a.k.a. “J/El Brother”

[2] Isaías Jaseph Molina Valle, a.k.a. “Simio/Simi”

[3] Juan A. Ortiz Mendoza, a.k.a. “Abuelo/Abu/Ablo”

[4] Fernando Manuel Torres Ruiz, a.k.a. “La M”

[5] Jonathan Enrique Rodríguez Acosta, a.k.a. “John Pri/Pri”

[6] Franschesca M. Rivera-Valle, a.k.a. “Cheska”

[7] Joseph G. Ríos Vélez

[8] Jomael Enrique Aponte Rivera, a.k.a. “Farru”

[9] Abdiel Sánchez Negrón

[10] Michael J. Marrero García, a.k.a. “Michael El Pato”

[11] Héctor A. Rosado Matías, a.k.a. “Bebo/Bebito”

[12] Christopher Santiago Rivera, a.k.a. “Gato”

[13] Jesus D. Rodríguez Soto, a.k.a. “John”

[14] Luis Joel Couret Clas, a.k.a. “Shaggy”

[15] Julio E. Mangual Vargas, a.k.a. “Julio Maraña”

[16] Fredwin Yomar Álvarez, a.k.a. “Bombilla”

[17] Héctor M. Cotto Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Tello”

[18] Ezequiel Soto Bonilla, a.k.a. “Bigote”

[19] Carlos Mikel Rodríguez Núñez, a.k.a. “Mikel/Fosforito”

[20] Carlos Obed La Llave Otero, a.k.a. “Security/El Gordo”

[21] Michael Concepción Soto

[22] Héctor Javier Surita Muñiz, a.k.a. “Coquito/Surita”

[23] Merchisede Rivera Pérez, a.k.a. “Merquisedec Rivera Pérez/Melchicede Rivera Pérez/El Negro/Melqui”

[24] José C. Colón-Félix, a.k.a. “Fresita”

[25] Antonio M. López Olivencia, a.k.a. “Delivery”

Fifteen defendants are charged in Count Seven with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and seven of those defendants are facing one count of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The FBI thanks the PRPB Mayagüez Strike Force for their assistance in this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs Laura Díaz González, and Héctor Siaca Flores are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking in Count Eight face a mandatory sentence of thirty years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges. All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $19,710,000.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 24, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Ilario Ernesto D’Oleo-Rosario (the Defendant) with one count for firearms violation and one count for re-entry after deportation. The defendant was arrested on April 19, 2025, by agents from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to the indictment, on or about April 19, 2025, the Defendant, knowing he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, possessed a firearm -- a Glock 27, .40 caliber, and 9 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The Defendant had been previously removed from the United States and was found and arrested in Puerto Rico, without obtaining, prior to his return to the United States, the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States.

According to the facts set forth in a criminal complaint filed on April 19, 2025, in Case No. 25-388 (M), at approximately 12:27 a.m., on April 19th, the defendant’s vehicle was observed by agents of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) driving in the oncoming traffic lane and swerving in and out of lanes. A PRPB agent stopped the Defendant’s vehicle, but the Defendant fled. The PRPB pursued the Defendant and again intervened with the Defendant in front of a residence where he had parked the vehicle. The Defendant attempted to flee on foot, failed to comply with police commands and resisted arrest. The Defendant had to be tasered three times before he was subdued. A PRPB agent observed in plain view (and later recovered) the loaded firearm described above in the vehicle. A PRPB agent administered a breathalyzer test that reflected a blood alcohol content of 0.174%.

“I commend the outstanding work of the agents of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau in the apprehension of the Defendant,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for the firearms violation (18 USC § 922(g)(5)), and two years for reentry after deportation (8 USC § 1326(a)). A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Corinne Cordero-Romo from the Violent Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three individuals who were fugitives since December 2024 were arrested today in the municipalities of San Juan and Carolina, PR, on criminal charges related to their alleged participation on drug trafficking and violent crimes associated to a drug trafficking organization that operated in San Juan, Carolina, and other areas nearby, from in or about 2021 through December 2024, when the arrest operation took place. The three fugitives had been charged in the case of United States v. Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, a.k.a. “La Cone/Vitu/Vitikin/Enano,” et al., Case No. 24-453 (MAJ).

Defendants [10] Gerald O. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Patrón;” [18] Ángel L. Sanjurjo, a.k.a. “Vaca;” and [33] Ramsell Maldonado-Tatis, a.k.a. “R” were arrested by FBI special agents, Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the Carolina Municipal Police Department. They are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession and distribution of heroin, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Defendant Maldonado-Tatis is also facing one count for possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“As alleged in the indictment, these individuals were engaged in violent crime and spread deadly drugs through our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.  “Today’s arrests make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of Puerto Rico safe and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.”

“The arrests carried out this morning reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal organizations. The message is clear: if you’re part of a violent criminal enterprise, the FBI will work relentlessly to find you and bring you to justice,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The residents of Puerto Rico deserve safe communities, and through close collaboration with our local and federal partners, we will continue to bring fugitives to justice and restore peace where it is most needed.”

According to the charging documents, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack, cocaine, marijuana, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project (PHP), the Luis Lloréns Torres PHP, the Los Mirtos PHP, the Lagos de Blasina PHP, the La Esmeralda PHP, the El Coral PHP, the Monte Hatillo PHP, and other areas near those locations, all for significant financial gain and profit. The drug trafficking organizations that operated in and around these areas (known as The Alliance) reached an agreement to conduct their drug trafficking operations as allies, which they referred to as “La Paz” (The Peace). At that time, each housing project organization was controlled by their own leadership and structure. As part of The Alliance, there would not be war between these organizations and members would be able to rely on each other for protection, drugs, and weapons.

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSAs Laura Díaz-González, R. Vance Eaton, and Joseph Russell are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, and Puerto Rico Police Bureau Commissioner Jospeh González today announced updated/new information regarding the United States Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Funds for agencies in Puerto Rico.

Asset forfeiture is the taking of property by the government without compensation because of the property’s connection to criminal activity. It is a legal tool that enables the federal government to recover property that can be used to compensate victims of the crime underlying the forfeiture, among other important law enforcement interests.

There are two distinct asset forfeiture programs: (a) the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program over which the Attorney General exercises statutory authority; and (b) the Department of the Treasury’s Treasury Asset Forfeiture Program managed by the Secretary of the Treasury).

The Justice Asset Forfeiture Program has four primary goals:

1. To punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used in or acquired through illegal activities.

2. To promote and enhance cooperation among federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement agencies.

3. To recover assets that may be used to compensate victims when authorized under federal law.

4. To ensure the Program is administered professionally, lawfully, and in a manner consistent with sound public policy.

The Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund receives the proceeds of forfeiture made pursuant to laws enforced or administered by members of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program. Thirteen agencies, including Justice agencies and components as well as non-Justice agencies, comprise the Asset Forfeiture Program’s membership.  That membership includes Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The Treasury Asset Forfeiture Program also has four priorities:

1. To administer and manage the Treasury Forfeiture Fund (TFF) program in a fiscally responsible manner that seeks to minimize administrative costs and maximize the benefits for law enforcement and the compensation of eligible victims; 

2. To ensure program policies protect due process rights of individuals;

3. To focus resources on strategic cases and investigations that result in actions against high profile criminals and criminal enterprises to affect the greatest financial damage to criminal organizations; and

4. To foster a strong working relationship between federal and state or local law enforcement agencies

The Treasury Forfeiture Fund receives the proceeds of forfeitures made pursuant to laws enforced or administered by Treasury and Department of Homeland Security law enforcement agencies. Members include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Through equitable sharing, any state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency that directly participates in a law enforcement effort that results in a federal forfeiture may request an equitable share of the net proceeds of the forfeiture.  The Equitable Sharing Program is an important aspect of the Justice and Treasury Asset Forfeiture Programs. Federal law authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to share federally forfeited assets with participating law enforcement agencies.  The exercise of this authority is discretionary and limited by statute. The Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury are not required to share assets in any case. Participation in an investigation with a member of the Justice Asset Forfeiture Program may result in equitable sharing paid from Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Funds (AFF), while participation in an investigation with a Treasury Asset Forfeiture Program member agency may result in equitable sharing paid from Treasury’s Forfeiture Funds (TFF).

In Puerto Rico, the following agencies are participating in the Equitable Sharing Program: Puerto Rico Police Bureau; Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau; Puerto Rico Ports Authority General Security Department; Puerto Rico National Guard Counterdrug Unit; Ponce Municipal Police Department; and the San Juan Police Department. Since the year 2020, these agencies have received Equitable Sharing Funds and are currently pending to receive Equitable Sharing Funds:

• Puerto Rico Police Bureau $2,604,847.72 (received) and $27,360,386.06 (pending)
• Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau $871,128.38 (received) and $110,791.90 (pending)
• Puerto Rico Ports Authority General Security Department $587,357.42 (received) and $112,889.15 (pending)
• Puerto Rico National Guard Counterdrug Unit $481,221.69 (received) and $5655 (pending)
• Ponce Municipal Police Department $160,047.89 (received) and $9,709.20 (pending)
• San Juan Police Department $1,439,682.39 (received) and $167,375.29 (pending)

Equitable Shared Funds must be used to increase or supplement the resources of the receiving state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency. Shared funds shall not be used to replace or supplant the agency’s appropriated resources. The recipient agency must benefit directly from the sharing.

“Forfeiting the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime puts the money to work for good – helping the victims of crime, funding community programs and providing resources to be used to promote public safety,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Equitable sharing redirects illegal proceeds toward the local law enforcement agencies who work with their federal counterparts to dismantle large scale criminal enterprises.  Such sharing can enable state and local agencies to commit the necessary resources to conduct a complex, long-term investigation that in the end enhances public safety.”

More agencies can participate in the Equitable Sharing Program. To become a Program participant, agencies must submit an Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification (ESAC) and affidavit to the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS). Agencies must also be registered in the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Eligible agencies must comply with all rules and obligations, including bookkeeping procedures, internal controls, reporting and audit requirements.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico will be commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 6–12, 2025, by hosting trainings of court personnel, continuing to educate our federal law enforcement agents on their role as victim advocates, and fomenting a law enforcement effort guided by awareness of the humanity and needs of crime victims.

NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims and survivors of crime, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and recognize the dedication of those who work with crime victims.

This year’s NCVRW theme—Connecting <KINSHIP> Healing—recognizes that our shared humanity drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. This annual observance challenges us to build a world where connections built through KINSHIP — between survivors, advocates, and communities — hold the potential to heal. It asks us to ensure that resources are available to all survivors and that we show up for one another with empathy and intention. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy and healing begin.

“The District of Puerto Rico has taken important steps to protect those who need it most, and we will continue to do so in the future. We affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting victims of crime in their hour of need,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “We also commend our victim advocates who work tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors. Their work in support of our prosecution efforts allows us to bring justice to our community.”

For additional information on supporting crime victims, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Leonardo Román Domenech, 39, of Aguadilla, PR, for child exploitation. Today, FBI special agents arrested Román Domenech.

According to court documents, from July 2021, through on or about October 2021, Leonardo Román Domenech, using a cellular phone, produced images of a 15-year-old female minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. From July 2021 through August 2024, the defendant possessed images of child pornography.

Leonardo Román Domenech is facing one count of sexual exploitation of children; one count for transportation of child exploitation material; and one count of possession of child exploitation material.

The defendant had his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Héctor Ramos Vega of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The detention/bail hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. If convicted for the charges of sexual exploitation of children the defendant faces no less than 15 years up to 30 years in prison; for transportation of child exploitation material, he faces no less than 5 years up to 20 years in prison; and for possession of child exploitation material, he faces up to 10 years in prison; all counts followed by a term of supervised release of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case and Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit is prosecuting the case.

Tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information about this or any other federal crime are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-987-6500, or to submit tips through the FBI’s internet complaint portal at Tips.FBI.gov.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced the indictment of two businessmen, a certified public accountant, and four Puerto Rico-based companies for a fraudulent scheme to illegally obtain federal recovery funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, bribe a bank employee, and launder the fraudulent proceeds of the scheme.

According to court documents, beginning no later than in or about May 2020, through at least November 2021, defendants and their co-conspirators submitted and caused the submission of at least 26 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications seeking a total of at least $2,238,747 in EIDL and PPP proceeds from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and Bank 1, a Puerto Rico-based financial institution.  The defendants and their co-conspirators also bribed an employee of Bank 1 to influence and reward the employee in connection with the submission and processing of PPP applications and the deposit and disbursement of PPP and EIDL funds into accounts at Bank 1.

“PPP and EIDL loans were intended to help small businesses during the pandemic, not exploit Federal relief programs” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The District of Puerto Rico is committed to protecting government programs from fraud, and we will hold those accountable who steal from the American taxpayers.”

Today, the U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, executed a coordinated operation targeting a sophisticated financial fraud network. “The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our agents and law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the Miami Field Office. “We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system and will continue to pursue those who engage in fraudulent activities.”

“This investigation reflects the SBA Office of Inspector General’s determination to hold accountable those who attempt to defraud pandemic relief programs. We remain committed to working with our partners to uncover fraud and protect these essential funds,” said Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the SBA Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region.

“The individuals involved took advantage of a program meant to help businesses at a time of great need and uncertainty, and instead fraudulently used federal funds to buy properties for themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office. “Let this serve as a warning: those who believe they can exploit government programs for personal gain will face the full weight of the law, with no refuge from accountability.”

According to court documents, Edgardo Navarro Suárez, Ricardo Luis Navarro Suárez, Ramón J. Valentín Montalvo, JCA Development, Inc., JCA Packaging Group, Inc., RVIP Group Corp., and JCA Industrial Supply Corp. knowingly devised a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property from the United States Small Business Administration and Bank 1 by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises submitted through applications for EIDL and PPP loans made available to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including authorizing the SBA to issue EIDL and PPP loans to small businesses and non-profit entities facing revenue losses.  The indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications containing materially false and fraudulent information and false documents.  The indictment further alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators directed the recipients of the fraudulently obtained PPP and EIDL loans to remit a portion of the proceeds of the loans to the defendants and their co-conspirators and used the loan proceeds to benefit themselves and others, and to pay for expenses prohibited under the requirements of the EIDL and PPP programs.

The court documents also claim that defendants and their co-conspirators corruptly gave, offered, and promised at least $69,500 in payments to an employee of Bank 1 to influence and reward the employee in connection with his assistance with the processing and disbursement of PPP and EIDL funds.  In addition, defendants and their co-conspirators would recruit others to fraudulently obtain EIDL and PPP relief.

The defendants will make their initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López-Soler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.

If convicted, the defendants face a up to 30 years in prison for the wire fraud and bank bribery offenses alleged in Counts 1 through 7 of the Indictment, 20 years in prison for the money laundering offense alleged in Counts 8 through 10 of the Indictment, and 10 years in prison for the money laundering offense alleged in Counts 11 and 12 of the Indictment.  The Indictment also provides notice of forfeiture of the following assets:

• All right, title, and interest in property located at Carr. 1, Km 29.5, Int Calle Abeto Bo Río Cañas, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725, together with all improvements and appurtenances;
• All right, title, and interest in property located at 170 Palmas Dr. E, La Jolla de Palmas Condominium I, Apt C16, Humacao, Puerto Rico 00791-6330, together with all improvements and appurtenances; and
• All right, title, and interest in property located at Palmas del Mar Crescent Beach #216 in Humacao, Puerto Rico, 00791, together with all improvements and appurtenances.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The United States Secret Service, through its San Juan Resident Office & Criminal Investigative Division (CID), the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Guaynabo Municipal Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Olinghouse is prosecuting the case.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Ponce man was arrested on March 25, 2025, on criminal charges related to various schemes involving bank fraud and money laundering. One company that he operated, Rossy Sport Bar Panorámico, LLC, was also indicted for its role in the bank fraud scheme.

According to court documents, in 2020 and 2022, Melvin E. Rivera-Oliveras, 40, executed a scheme and artifice to defraud multiple federally insured financial institutions in Puerto Rico. Rivera-Oliveras attempted to conduct fraudulent refund transactions for more than $7 million using multiple debit cards at various companies that he managed and operated.

After acquiring point of sale (POS) systems, Rivera-Oliveras conducted fraudulent refund transactions and was able to gain temporary access to the funds and to spend a portion of the funds that did not belong to him.

In July 2022, Rivera-Oliveras submitted fraudulent transactions in an attempt to obtain over $270,000 via fraudulent refund transactions using a debit card associated with Rossy Sport Bar Panorámico, which was another company he was managing. The proceeds of that scheme were deposited into an account held by Rossy Sport Bar Panorámico.

With the proceeds of these crimes, Rivera-Oliveras purchased multiple vehicles, including a Cadillac CTS, a Ford Transit Connect XL, and a Mercedes Benz C Class. In addition, Rivera-Oliveras made multiple bank transactions in excess of $10,000.

“The defendant created and executed a complex scheme to defraud banks and businesses,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the FBI agents and law enforcement partners who uncovered this web of illegal financial transactions.”

“These crimes strike at the heart of public trust and financial stability. Bank fraud may not always leave a specific victim with empty pockets, but make no mistake, it erodes the very systems that uphold our economy,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our agents and partners, this scheme was uncovered. To those who believe they can conceal their fraud behind layers of deception, know that the FBI will not rest until you are brought to justice.”

If convicted, Rivera-Oliveras faces the following penalties: up to 30 years in prison for bank and wire fraud; and up to ten years for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy from the Financial Fraud & Public Corruption Section is prosecuting the case.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 27, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a three-count indictment charging Carlos A. Guerra-Colón with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to court documents, Carlos A. Guerra-Colón, beginning on a date unknown, but no later than March 18, 2025, conspired and agreed with others to knowingly possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

While conducting inspection duties, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) employees identified a suspicious package that, upon examination, contained 2.365 kilograms of fentanyl. On March 18, 2025, Guerra-Colón went to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Aguadilla Main Post Office to pick up the package containing the fentanyl. When Guerra-Colón exited the post office, USPIS agents proceeded to arrest him. After he was detained, agents conducted a search of Guerra-Colón’s vehicle that resulted in the seizure of 24 zip lock bags containing cocaine.

“Eliminating drug trafficking networks is critical to our ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis in America and save lives,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Our office will prosecute fentanyl traffickers and dealers to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction disguised as a drug, it kills indiscriminately and fuels the suffering of countless families,” said DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda. “The DEA will not stop. We will pursue every trafficker, dismantle every network, and enforce every law with unwavering resolve to protect our communities and save lives.”

If convicted the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment with a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB). 

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Transnational Organized Crime Section Max J. Pérez-Bouret; Deputy Chief of the Transnational Organized Crime Section, AUSA María L. Montañez-Concepción; and AUSA Luis A. Valentín are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –On March 26, 2025, United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi-Jordán sentenced Luis Javier Pérez-Badillo, a 50-year-old man from Aguadilla, P.R., to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Pérez-Badillo is a former officer from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

On October 9, 2024, Pérez-Badillo pleaded guilty to Transportation of Child Pornography.

From on or about October 11, 2023, through February 21, 2024, Luis Javier Pérez-Badillo used a cellular phone device with internet capabilities to knowingly transport images of child pornography.

“The defendant, who was entrusted by the community to serve and protect, violated that trust by committing these crimes. As this case demonstrates, those who exploit children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute persons who exploit minors for sexual purposes.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos stated: “The actions of this individual are a disgrace to the amazing men and women that compile our Puerto Rico Police Bureau. As law enforcement officers, we are entrusted with the responsibility to protect and serve, not to harm. While no sentence can ever truly undo the harm caused to the victim, it is our duty to ensure that justice is served. This eleven-year sentence clearly conveys that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.”

Assistant United States Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto prosecuted the case.

The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI was in charge of the investigation.

For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit iGuardians™: Combating Child Predators  and to denounce suspicious activities call 787-729-6969.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico–The United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted and seized 577 lbs. of cocaine, 14 lbs. of fentanyl and three firearms as part of a joint operation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. From March 10 through March 20, 2025, these federal and state agencies collaboratively conducted “Operation Gatekeeper 3.0,” a domestic interdiction of suspect parcels mailed from San Juan, Puerto Rico to locations throughout the continental United States.

“We commend the outstanding efforts and collaboration between the federal and state law enforcement agencies responsible for the successful seizure of contraband in this case,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue our efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and violent crime in our communities.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to preventing drug and arms traffickers from using the U.S. Mail in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an access point for all of America,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue our work to secure this border and prevent the mail stream from being used to further criminal activity and enrich transnational criminal organizations.”

As a result of this operation, federal and state authorities were able to seize evidence in several ongoing investigations, as well as identify targets of new investigations that will be worked collaboratively as part of “Operation Take Back America.”

Puerto Rico Police Department K-9 Officer “Nico”

This seizure is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – After a five-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Antonio Pizarro Adorno, a former Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau (“NIE” as known in Spanish) officer who was assigned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI), for corruptly concealing $170 during a law enforcement seizure. United States District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé presided over the trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 27, 2023, Pizarro Adorno, took $170 in cash seized by the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in an investigation being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives related to drug trafficking in a community in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“The vast majority of law enforcement officers serve the community with honor and valor,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico. “Those who do not, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Every act of corruption, big or small, weakens the foundation of justice, and we will not tolerate it,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The FBI remains focused on holding accountable those who betray that trust, no matter the amount, no matter the circumstances.”

The FBI San Juan Field Office, Public Corruption Unit is investigating the case, with the collaboration of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pizarro Adorno is facing up to 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy prosecuted the case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – After a five-day jury trial, Lionel Albino Galindo was found guilty of six counts of child exploitation. United States District Court Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan presided over the trial.

According to court documents, from February 2024 throughout March 19, 2024, Lionel Albino Galindo sexually exploited a 13-year-old female minor. The defendant used a cellular phone as well as internet instant messaging services, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a 13-year-old female minor, to engage in sexual activity, which includes the production of child pornography.

During trial, the government presented evidence to prove that Albino Galindo knowingly transported the female minor to engage in sexual activity on several occasions and produced visual depictions of such conduct. The defendant also received child pornography from the female minor and sent obscene material to the minor.

The jury found Lionel Albino Galindo guilty of one count of coercion and enticement of a minor; one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; one count of sexual exploitation of children; one count for receipt of child pornography; one count for possession of child pornography; and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor.

The defendant faces the following possible sentences: for coercion and enticement and transportation of minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life; for sexual exploitation of children he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years up to 30 years; for possession of child pornography and transfer of obscene material  to a minor he faces up to 10 years; and for receipt of child pornography he faces five to 20 years in prison; all charges followed by a term of supervised release of no less than 5 years up to life. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 9:30 am. The defendant was ordered to remain under the custody of the Bureau of Prisons pending sentencing.

“I commend the prosecutors, and our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication in bringing this child predator to justice,” said United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico.

“The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our most vulnerable—our children,” said Devin Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “This verdict underscores the seriousness of crimes against minors and reinforces our dedication to holding offenders accountable. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who prey on children face the full force of justice.”

The FBI investigated the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Jenifer Y. Hernández Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit and AUSA Emelina Agrait Barreto prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Note, the press release has been updated to include a quote from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The final two of four Dominican nationals were sentenced last week for Lacey Act trafficking and smuggling wildlife from the United States after they attempted to smuggle tropical birds from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the Dominican Republic.

Frankluis Carela De Jesús was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, while Domingo Heureau Altagracia was sentenced to 8 months in prison. Waner Balbuena and Juan Graviel Ramírez Cedano were previously each sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison.

According to court documents, De Jesús, Altagracia, Balbuena and Cedano were traveling on May 3, 2024, in a flagless vessel with more than 100 tropical birds of various species onboard. De Jesús, Altagracia, Balbuena and Cedano did not have wildlife export licenses, and they failed to make the required declarations for exporting wildlife. Many of the birds are internationally protected species, including white-crowned parrots, golden-capped parakeets and green-cheeked conures. The defendants also had red-crowned parrots, which are afforded the highest level of international protection due to their exploitation in the pet trade and risk of extinction.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approached the vessel about 30 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico and saw the crew throwing objects overboard. The USCG stopped and boarded the vessel and recovered wood cages containing tropical birds from the water. A total of 113 birds were recovered, all of which drowned when the cages were thrown overboard.

“Defendants were caught in the act of smuggling tropical birds from Puerto Rico, and then drowned them to cover up their crime,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Whether it’s wildlife or other natural resources or goods, smuggling is illegal. We will prosecute those who try to circumvent our laws.”

“In this case, endangering the welfare of animals for personal gain was not only cruel — it was illegal,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the excellent collaboration of the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners who remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting our wildlife. Because of their hard work, justice was served.”

“This prosecution and conviction underscore the serious consequences of wildlife trafficking and the devastating impact it has on natural resources,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)’s Office of Law Enforcement. “The illegal smuggling of tropical birds not only threatens vulnerable populations but also undermines conservation efforts and poses significant risks as wildlife traffickers attempt to exploit our borders. We are resolute in our mission to hold accountable those who engage in such crimes, and we will continue to pursue justice with the full force of the law alongside our interagency partners.”

“The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation’s premiere maritime law enforcement agency with authorities to enforce federal and international law on the high seas,” said Commander Matthew Romano, Coast Guard Sector San Juan chief of response. “This was a unique case for our Coast Guard crews who usually enforce fisheries laws to protect living marine resources in and around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The successful prosecution and sentencing in this case are a testimony to our strong partnerships and collaboration to secure our maritime borders and to deter illicit trafficking that fuels criminal enterprises.”

“The illegal trafficking of wildlife is not just an environmental crime-it is a direct threat to public health, economic stability, and global biodiversity,” said Director Roberto Vaquero of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Field Operations. “CBP remains committed to enforcing wildlife trade laws and stopping the flow of illicit wildlife products that fuel criminal networks and endanger ecosystems. Protecting our borders from these threats is a critical part of safeguarding both national security and global health.”

The USCG, USFWS and CBP investigated the case.

Senior Trial Attorney Patrick Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case.

A Dominican national was sentenced today to nine years in prison for his involvement in a deadly human smuggling venture that resulted in the deaths of 11 smuggled aliens.

According to court documents, on or about the evening of May 12, 2022, Fermin Montilla, 45, piloted a vessel carrying 48 individuals from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, with the intent of bringing those individuals to the United States illegally. At some point during the journey, the vessel took on water and capsized, and 11 people drowned.

“The defendant attempted to illegally smuggle 48 migrants into the United States, leading to the tragic deaths of 11 people,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human smugglers threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable people for profit with no regard for their safety. The Criminal Division is committed to eliminating these transnational criminal smuggling organizations and protecting the public and those who would fall victim to them.”

“Human smuggling operations not only violate U.S. law and threaten our national security, but they also endanger the lives of the smuggled migrants and result in death as in this case,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring those who smuggle illegal aliens to justice and dismantle their criminal organizations.”

“It is essential to send a strong message to individuals that take advantage of the vulnerable by endangering lives undermining the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan. “In this one incident we lost 11 lives, we need to protect individuals from this heinous crime. We will continue to use all resources to pursue and to bring to justice transnational criminal organizations that jeopardize the safety of others exploiting immigration laws. To those seeking to be smuggled into the United States, please remember that it’s extremely dangerous and is not worth your life, these individuals do not care.”

On Sept. 13, 2024, Montilla pleaded guilty to one count of bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry resulting in death.

HSI San Juan investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

Trial Attorney Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case.

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

Last June, the Justice Department formally transmitted to Congress a new legislative proposal to increase the recommended penalties for the most prolific and dangerous human smugglers. The proposal, titled the “Deterring Human Smuggling and Harm to Victims Act of 2024,” would amend U.S. Sentencing Guideline 2L1.1, which governs human smuggling offenses, by creating steeper penalty tiers based on the number of people smuggled by the defendant; increasing penalties when the defendant’s conduct results in injury or death to more than one person; and ensuring defendants are subject to sentencing enhancements for sexual assault and other types of prohibited sexual conduct committed during the smuggling offense, even if that conduct occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction. The Department has been working with interested Members of Congress to advance the proposal so that the Sentencing Guidelines accurately account for the full scope of violence that can result from human smuggling.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 5, 2025, a federal jury convicted María De Lourdes Martínez-Garriga, a former United States Postal Service City Carrier, for unlawfully delaying and not delivering four pieces of election mail.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 5, 11 and 15, 2022, Martínez-Garriga, 34, a then City Carrier assigned to the 65th Infantry Postal Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico unlawfully delayed four certified mail envelopes containing ballots for the 2022 Special Election for the District of San Juan. All affected voters confirmed, and four of them testified at trial, that despite having requested early vote ballots from the Puerto Rico Elections Commission they never received the Election Mail envelopes.

“Our democracy depends on the right of eligible voters to cast a ballot and to have that ballot counted. If voters do not receive their ballots, they cannot execute one of our fundamental rights as United States citizens -- the right to vote,” said United States Attorney Muldrow. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office along with our law enforcement partners will continue to protect this fundamental pillar of our society.”

“Placing mail into the hands of the Postal Service is an act of public trust all postal employees must uphold,” said Tammy Hull, Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service. “Ms. Martínez violated that trust by delaying the delivery of election mail. Through our investigation USPS OIG special agents brought her to justice and she has been convicted of her crimes by a jury.”

“The FBI is committed to protecting the integrity of our democratic processes, including ensuring that every voter’s voice is heard. Any attempt to interfere with election mail is a violation of public trust and a threat to the foundation of our democracy,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “This case is the result of our unwavering dedication to holding accountable those who undermine the electoral system.”

Three other former U.S. Postal Service employees were charged in separate indictments, and they are all pending trial. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), consistent with the mission to ensure efficiency, accountability, and integrity in the U.S. Postal Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Colón and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania Salas-De Jesús from the USPS-OIG are prosecuting the case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, through United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, issues the following statement to underscore support for the January 20, 2025, Executive Order, entitled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”

Department of Justice agencies in Puerto Rico, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Bureau of Prisons, underscore their support and partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and all its components in Puerto Rico to enforce our nation’s immigration laws.

The Justice Department and DHS will also continue to collaborate and work closely with our counterparts within the Government of Puerto Rico, to include the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and other governmental agencies, as well as municipal police departments to protect our communities from harm.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s implementation of the Executive Order will focus on the apprehension and prosecution of criminal aliens, as well as supporting the prosecution and/or expedited removal from the United States of aliens without legal status. The apprehension and prosecution or removal of aliens includes special interest aliens deemed by the DHS to be from a country that poses a national security or counterintelligence threat.

“Those aliens who are involved in criminal activity, who are fugitives from justice, who have prior criminal convictions and/or come from nations that pose a threat to our national security, remain a priority for the Department of Justice,” said United States Attorney Muldrow. “We are also fully committed to supporting the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, and all its components, to make Puerto Rico and the United States safer.”

“The FBI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and ensure public safety,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Through this initiative, continued collaboration and intelligence-driven operations, we are supporting efforts to protect our communities, while adhering to our mission of upholding the Constitution.”

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is dedicated to identifying and prosecuting individuals who are illegally present in the United States, ensuring they are swiftly removed to their home countries,” said Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. “The executive order aims to protect the United States from individuals who pose a threat to public safety by committing crimes.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration remains resolute in its mission to protect the communities of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the devastating impact of drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. These criminal networks not only threaten public safety through the distribution of dangerous narcotics but also exploit immigration vulnerabilities to further their illicit enterprises. Through intelligence-driven investigations, collaborative enforcement operations, and strategic partnerships with our federal, state, and local counterparts, the DEA will aggressively target those who pose a threat to our national security and the well-being of our citizens. Our enforcement efforts will focus on identifying, disrupting, and prosecuting individuals and organizations engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime. Additionally, we remain committed to supporting the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice in the apprehension and prosecution of criminal aliens involved in drug-related offenses. The DEA Caribbean Division will continue to conduct high-impact operations aimed at preventing narcotics and criminal elements from infiltrating our shores. These enforcement efforts are crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Puerto Rico and the continental United States. The message is clear: those who attempt to use our territory as a gateway for illicit activities will be met with the full force of federal law enforcement,” stated Michael A. Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Caribbean Division.

“We stand in unison with our Federal and Puerto Rico partners in this all-hands-on deck to stem the tide of illegal immigration,” said Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Miami Field Division.

The United States Marshals Service, whose mission includes apprehending federal and state fugitives, will lead an initiative – Operation Homeland – to focus resources and coordinate enforcement operations with DOJ and DHS components on the apprehension of alien fugitives charged with federal and local crimes.

“Historically, the United States Marshals have played a crucial role in serving our nation by apprehending and removing dangerous fugitives from our communities. In this instance, we have teamed up with our federal law enforcement partners to focus on apprehending non-U.S. citizens who have active criminal warrants. We are confident that these collaborative efforts will lead to safer communities. We encourage all citizens to continue cooperating with our investigations to help locate these fugitives and bring them to justice,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal District of Puerto Rico.

As recently announced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on January 30, 2025, the below-listed individuals entered into Puerto Rican waters without inspection and were detained by the CBP. Earlier that day, Coast Guard had previously boarded the sailing vessel Mistress, but the vessel was allowed to continue its voyage to St. Martin.  Instead of going to St. Martin, the S/V Mistress entered U.S. waters without inspection and anchored off La Parguera, where they were arrested and processed for expedited removal by DHS officials, including the United States Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Specifically, the following eight individuals were encountered on a private boat off the southwest coast of Puerto Rico:

Name                                    Country of Citizenship

Erlanbek Narkoziev              Kyrgyzstan

Jafar Valamatov                    Russia

Kanal Assylbekov                 Kazakhstan

Nikita Torshin                       Kazakhstan

Sanjarjon Sidikov                  Uzbekistan

Shackhat Uurustamov           Kyrgyzstan

Odiljon Azimov                     Kyrgyzstan

Shukrat Akhemodov              Russia

“Every day CBP Officers are responsible with determining the admissibility of aliens arriving at our ports of entry.  Foreign travelers requesting entry undergo an inspection and determination of admissibility to the United States, and if they are not admissible, they are returned to their point of embarkation,” indicated Roberto Vaquero, Director of the San Juan Office of Field Operations. “Our officers will be vigilant in determining admissibility and will also inspect authorized presence from passengers in domestic flights as they try to reach the Continental US.”

“The Ramey Sector of the US Border Patrol remains steadfast in protecting our Caribbean borders and deter irregular migration attempts.  U.S. immigration law makes it a crime to enter or attempt to enter without requesting admission at a port of entry designated for that purpose by immigration officials,” stated Reggie Johnson, Acting Chief Patrol Agent. “Migrants should know that they will face full legal consequences of unlawful entry.”

“Air and Marine Operations agents and assets will support the whole of government effort to enforce immigration laws and protect our borders from emerging threats,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond.”

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The last of three defendants was sentenced today to prison for harboring aliens that arrived in Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic.

Together, defendants Katia Janette Nieves, Junior Melo, and Iris J. Nieves-Ríos coordinated the pickup in August 2023 of at least 50 individuals arriving unlawfully via boat on the west side of Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic. Despite knowing that these individuals were aliens not lawfully in the United States, the defendants transported them to a residence in San Juan, Puerto Rico, harbored them, and demanded money from family members in order to release the individuals.

Junior Melo was sentenced on December 16, 2024, to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Katia Janette Nieves was sentenced on January 15, 2025, to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Iris J. Nieves-Ríos was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora and Assistant U.S. Attorney Linet Suárez prosecuted the case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, I wish to extend our gratitude to Alexis Torres, in his role as Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety, for his unwavering support of the mission of our office and his commitment to the people of Puerto Rico. We wish you all the best and Godspeed.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 12, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Ángel Javier Avilés-Monzón, a.k.a. “Chimi/Yovngchimi” with two counts for firearms violations. FBI special agents arrested Avilés-Monzón today at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

According to court documents, on or about June 4, 2023, and on or about August 25, 2024, Ángel Javier Avilés-Monzón knowingly possessed a machinegun, that is, a pistol of unknown make and model, modified to fire automatically more than one shot without manually reloading by a single function of the trigger.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico, and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Alberto López-Rocafort, Chief of the Gang Section, and AUSA Joseph Russell are prosecuting the case.

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

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) announce that MMM Holdings, LLC. (MMM) has agreed to pay $15,228,340 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it implemented a gift card incentive program in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

According to the settlement agreement, the United States asserted that MMM submitted or caused to be submitted claims for payment to the Medicare Program relating to a gift card incentive scheme implemented by MMM during the period of January 2018 to December 2022, which the United States alleged violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, and which resulted in violations of the False Claims Act. As a result of the incentive scheme, the United States alleged that MMM distributed gift cards to administrative assistants of providers to induce the referral, recommendation, or arrangement for enrollment of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries in an MMM Medicare Advantage plan. Those newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries resulted in associated premium payments of $6,091,336. The negotiated settlement with MMM took into consideration the company’s cooperative efforts and implementation of internal controls.

In connection with the settlement, MMM entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) that requires, among other conditions, that MMM create procedures designed to ensure that any new or existing marketing arrangements do not violate the Anti-Kickback statute. MMM must also engage an Independent Review Organization to review the systems that MMM has in place to track such arrangements and to review a sample of the arrangements each year of the CIA.

This agreement underscores the commitment of the Justice Department and HHS-OIG to deter fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs.  “Investigating healthcare fraud remains a high priority in the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively pursue those that violate the healthcare laws of the United States”, said United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “In this case, we appreciate MMM’s cooperation during the investigation and willingness to promptly negotiate a resolution in this matter.”

Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, said “Medicare Advantage plans that engage in improper financial arrangements undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and place profits ahead of enrollees’ best interests. HHS-OIG will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate such allegations in order to protect federal health care programs and the Americans who rely on them.”

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rafael J. López-Rivera, Civil Health Care Fraud Coordinator, at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the collaboration of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office encourages anyone with information involving waste, fraud, and abuse in federal healthcare or other programs, to please report the illegal conduct, by contacting:

HHS-OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or https://tips.oig.hhs.gov

To file a voluntary self-disclosure, please access the link below:

https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/self-disclosure-info/self-disclosure-protocol/

You may also contact the FBI at (202) 324-3000, or online at www.fbi.gov or tips.fbi.gov.

The settled civil claims are allegations only and MMM did not admit liability as part of this settlement agreement. Further, there has been no determination of civil liability.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 12, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 34 individuals with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances within the Puerto Rico prison system, and other offenses, including charges relating to four overdose deaths.

According to court documents, defendants distributed fentanyl, suboxone, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic marijuana within Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities. Members of the drug organization smuggled the drugs into the jails using unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) that carried packages containing the illegal substances. Other smuggling methods included the use of legal mail, family visits, official corruption/indifference, catapulting or throwing drugs into the prison yards (“picheos”), and hiding drugs inside other items brought into the prisons (e.g., PlayStations, remote controls, food items, and bags of ice).

During the time period relevant to the Indictment, the illegal substances introduced by this drug trafficking organization also caused many overdoses, including at least four overdose deaths attributed to a drug mixture containing fentanyl.

Many of the defendants arrested today were part of a prison gang known as Group 31 or “Los Tiburones”. Group 31 established and maintained control of the distribution of significant quantities of illegal substances within numerous institutions operated by the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Those institutions included, but were not limited to: Institución Correccional Guerrero, Aguadilla; Complejo Correccional Las Cucharas Sgto. Pedro Joel Rodríguez Matos, Ponce; Institución Correccional Bayamón (501); and Institución Correccional Guayama Máxima Seguridad (1000). The defendants charged in the indictment are:

[1] Juan Carlos Ortiz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Flaco”

[2] Cristina Guevara-Casellas

[3] Elías Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Viejo-Coli”

[4] José Luis Audain-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Wichy/Negre/Doble V-W/Dobleta”

[5] Christopher Sánchez-Asencio, a.k.a. “Guayna”

[6] Moisés Mojica-Torres, a.k.a. “Moi”

[7] Ernesto Malavé-Santiago, a.k.a. “Ponce”

[8] Steve Vergeli-Negrón, a.k.a. “Bocillo”

[9] Jim Almodóvar-Quirindongo, a.k.a. “Jim Ball”

[10] Ángel Abdiel Archilla-Montalvo

[11] Efraín González-Serrano, a.k.a. “El Señor De Los Cielos/Junito”

[12] Ernesto Vargas-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Golo”

[13] Eddiber Pérez-Burgos, a.k.a. “Coamo”

[14] Abraham Rodríguez-Cruz, a.k.a. “Bebe”

[15] Alexander Alvarado-Almestica, a.k.a. “Bala”

[16] Jensen Medina Cardona

[17] Edgardo Santiago-Colón, a.k.a. “Cuco”

[18] Edwin Sánchez-Rijos, a.k.a. “Tocayo”

[19] Félix Serrano-Román, a.k.a. “Coba”

[20] Harry Acevedo-Méndez, a.k.a. “La H”

[21] Heriberto Romero-Corchado, a.k.a. “Eri”

[22] James Santana-González, a.k.a.  “Pilin”

[23] Julio Vargas-Jiménez, a.k.a. “Julio Gatillo”

[24] Kervin López-Torres, a.k.a. “Beethoven/Gordo/Gemelo”

[25] Kevin Hernández-Ruiz, a.k.a. “Pesadilla”

[26] Miguel González-Concepción, a.k.a. “Omy Barber/Omy Gallina”

[27] Luis Meléndez-García, a.k.a.  “Luisito Humacao”

[28] Aníbal Ramírez-Alicea, a.k.a. “Nibby/Aníbal Martínez-Alicea”

[29] Benny Rodríguez-Mercado

[30] Christian Candelaria-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Garbanzo”

[31] Donato Cortés-Matos

[32] Wesley Correa-López

[33] Milagros Jeanette Rivera-González, a.k.a. “Janet”

[34] Minerva Román-Domínguez

“Gang activity poses a grave risk of harm to our communities and within correctional institutions,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “For several years, these gang members and their associates distributed significant quantities of lethal drugs within the local prison system, through the enforcement of strict rules and violence. This indictment is the culmination of a coordinated federal and state law enforcement investigation aimed at dismantling this criminal organization.”

“This operation represents a critical step in our fight against the influx of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Puerto Rico’s correctional facilities,” said Denise Foster, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Caribbean Division. “By dismantling this organization and disrupting their use of drones to smuggle contraband, we are not only holding criminals accountable, but also saving lives. This success highlights the power of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, and underscores our commitment to protecting the people of Puerto Rico from the devastating effects of drug trafficking.”

The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López Soler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison on the drug trafficking and firearm charges, and a maximum sentence of ten years for the money laundering charges.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau Ponce Strike Force, Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Puerto Rico Department of Justice, Puerto Rico Forensic Sciences Institute, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Border Patrol, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Marshals Service, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge L. Matos of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 5, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 56 violent gang members from the municipalities of San Juan, Carolina, and areas nearby with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, firearms violations, and murder, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau Carolina Strike Force, with the collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Marshals Service.

“The prosecution of this drug trafficking organization exemplifies our ongoing efforts to dismantle drug gangs, and reduce violent crime and gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow.  “I want to thank our federal, local, and state law enforcement partners, as well as the prosecutors and investigators in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their relentless work in this case. As demonstrated by this prosecution, our valiant police officers serve and protect our communities with courage, dedication, and bravery every day -- at great risk to their own safety.”

“Combatting violent gangs requires a whole-of-society-approach and I am proud to say that this large-scale gang disruption is the result of the different government components, especially law enforcement, working together with and for the communities,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “I am convinced that, with the help of the public and our partners, we can continue to make tangible progress towards peace in the streets of Puerto Rico.”

The indictment alleges that from in or about 2021 through the date of the indictment, the charged drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, marijuana, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project (PHP), the Luis Lloréns Torres PHP, the Los Mirtos PHP, the Lagos de Blasina PHP, the La Esmeralda PHP, the El Coral PHP, the Monte Hatillo PHP, and other areas near those locations, all for significant financial gain and profit. The drug trafficking organizations that operated in and around these areas (hereinafter The Alliance) reached an agreement to conduct their drug trafficking operations as allies, which they referred to as “La Paz” (The Peace). At that time, each housing project organization was controlled by their own leadership and structure. As part of The Alliance, there would not be war between these organizations and members would be able to rely on each other for protection, drugs, and weapons.

The goal of The Alliance was to control all the drug trafficking activities within the municipalities of Carolina, San Juan, and areas nearby using force, threats, violence, and intimidation. In preserving power and protecting territory, the members of the alliance profited from the illegal distribution of narcotics, including transportation to and distribution of kilogram quantities of cocaine in the continental United States. Members of the alliance conducted meetings and frequented each other’s housing projects and the same bars and clubs together; performed in concerts and music videos together, recording videos at each other’s housing projects using real weapons to project their alliance’s power. Members would identify their gang affiliation with jewelry such as pendants allusive to their housing project, organization, or names of record labels, including, but not limited to, “LFC” (La Familia Carolina), “LMM” (Loyalty Music Money) and “LMG” (Loyalty Music Group).

The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy the defendants and their co‑conspirators participated in acts of violence and shootings to further their drug trafficking operations. They also engaged in the trafficking of illegal firearms and ammunition using their social media accounts and other social media applications and platforms. It is also alleged that the defendants obtained information from corrupt police officers to surveil rival gang members and to avoid law enforcement detection. On occasions, the corrupt police officers accessed law enforcement databases to obtain privileged information such as vehicle registration data and personal identifying data.

The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including as leaders, suppliers, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, lookouts, and facilitators.

The 56 defendants charged in the indictment are:

[1] Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, a.k.a. “La Cone/Vitu/Vitikin/Enano”

[2] David A. Isaac-Febus, a.k.a. “Durant/Davicito”

[3] Jan C. Dalmau-Román, a.k.a. “Yankee/El Árabe”

[4] Charlie J. Dalmau-Román, a.k.a. “Tres Deos/Tres Dedos”

[5] Luis R. Pérez-Vizcarrondo, a.k.a. “Tío/Raúl”

[6] Samuel Santiago-Delgado, a.k.a. “Kule”

[7] Michael J. García-Marquez, a.k.a. “Maco/Menor”

[8] Luis N. Isaac-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Chimbo/CDobleta/Dobleta”

[9] Eli Y. Couvertier-Pollock, a.k.a. “Tata/Maike/Maike Casiano”

[10] Gerald O. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Patrón”

[11] Onix Y. Couvertier-Pollock, a.k.a. “Gato/Gatito/Yamil”

[12] Ángel L. Agosto-Andino, a.k.a. “Bilito/Bartolo/Birlito”

[13] Vicyael C. Hernández-Díaz, a.k.a. “Menor/Ozu”

[14] Paul W. Herrera-Rivera, a.k.a. “Polito/Agua Sucia/Negro”

[15] Luis R. Pérez-Colón, a.k.a. “Mencho/Luisito”

[16] Lino J. Calcaño-Rodríguez

[17] Eddie G. Roque-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Edito/Coco”

[18] Ángel L. Sanjurjo, a.k.a. “Vaca”

[19] William E. Boria-Rosa, a.k.a. “Boria”

[20] Christian Luna-Ilarraza, a.k.a. “Chiqui”

[21] Carlos F. Mercado-Molina, a.k.a. “Blanco Perla/Payco”

[22] Orlando Resto-García, a.k.a. “Luli/Potala”

[23] Andyel González-Sáez, a.k.a. “Martino”

[24] Olvin O’Neill-Concepción-Tapia, a.k.a. “Sinfo”

[25] Daniel J. López-Vega, a.k.a. “Dany”

[26] Edwin Y. Flores-Tavárez, a.k.a. “Chizguis/Película/Cheese Wiz”

[27] Jeremy Millán-Isaac, a.k.a. “Pequeño/Zepe”

[28] Bernardo De La Cruz-Pizarro, a.k.a. “Caravela/Armandito”

[29] Yasiel Morales-López, a.k.a. “Pausa/Rubio”

[30] Joshua E. Bula-Cartagena, a.k.a. “Inquilino/El Corista”

[31] José A. González-Herrera, a.k.a. “Teta/Ted”

[32] Josué Isaac-Febus, a.k.a. “Tonto/Doble T”

[33] Ramsell Maldonado-Tatis, a.k.a. “R”

[34] Joshua Jeriel Rivera-Cruz, a.k.a. “Joshi/J”

[35] Jazhiel Ocasio-Herrera, a.k.a. “BV”

[36] Frambel Rijos-Hernández, a.k.a. “Domi”

[37] José Martínez-Serrano, a.k.a. “Tio/Denzel”

[38] Wilfredo Hernández-Vizcarrondo, a.k.a. “Machacho”

[39] Jean C. Fernández-Garay, a.k.a. “Logan/Bebo”

[40] Harold Reynoso-Isaac, a.k.a. “Jandi/Pichi”

[41] Carlos A. Delgado-Torres, a.k.a. “Peter/Papi/Papa Candela”

[42] Isaías Caleb De Jesús-Valentín, a.k.a. “Minor/Mynor/Mynol”

[43] Ángel M. Franqui-González, a.k.a. “Blanquito”

[44] Juan L. Tereforte-Bello, a.k.a. “Tostin”

[45] Justin Landrau-Cirino, a.k.a. “Cheo”

[46] Edgardo D. Rivera-Rivera, a.k.a. “Limba”

[47] Danny Díaz-Soto, a.k.a. “Shorty”

[48] Alexander Y. Encarnación-Febus, a.k.a. “Bebo”

[49] Kevin E. Soto-Peña, a.k.a. “Mostri”

[50] Jacob J. Monge-Vigo

[51] Yander C. Santos-Ramos, a.k.a. “Mingui”

[52] Michael Rodríguez-Seib, a.k.a. “Teco”

[53] Victor Z. Sifonte-Rivera

[54] Eduardo A. Tolentino-Meléndez

[55] Fernando Torres-Galarza, a.k.a. “Perro”

[56] Destiny Crespo-Correa

Thirty-seven defendants are facing one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and fourteen of those defendants are facing one count of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Count Nine charges the murder of Sergeant Eliezer Ramos Vélez that occurred on March 29, 2024 - during and in furtherance of the conspiracy. Defendants [1] Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, [8] Luis N. Isaac-Sánchez, [23] Andyel González-Sáez, [24] Olvin O’Neill-Concepción-Tapia, and [25] Daniel J. López-Vega are charged with one count of firearm-related murder and are eligible for the death penalty.

If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug trafficking and the firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking in Count Eight face a mandatory sentence of thirty years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges. All defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $31,347,400 that represent a calculation of the proceeds generated from their illegal drug trafficking activities.

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSAs Laura Díaz-González, R. Vance Eaton, and Joseph Russell are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Alexander Sánchez-Morales and Bryan Merced-Bigio with an armed robbery related to the restaurant China City, in Bayamón, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

According to the Government’s allegations in a Complaint, on October 10, 2024, Sánchez-Morales and a co-conspirator followed a woman and her two young children to a residence above China City restaurant, where the defendants forced their way into the residence and beat the husband in the head with a machinegun.  Defendants stole hundreds of dollars related to the restaurant business before fleeing upon arrival of agents from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

“The armed robbery allegedly committed by these individuals was a horrific home invasion that spread fear through the community,” said United States Attorney Muldrow.  “Combating violent crime is among the highest of priorities for the federal law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico.  There is nothing more important than protecting our communities and keeping law abiding citizens safe in their own homes.”

Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Miami Field Division stated: “This indictment represents continuing ATF efforts in the fight against violent crime and those who use machineguns to further their violent activities.”

“Part of our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of every individual. I want to emphasize that when we say ‘everyone,’ we truly mean all people, irrespective of their legal status or any other factors that might make them hesitant to report a federal crime,” stated Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “We commend the work of the US Attorney’s Office and ATF in this investigation. I urge anyone who has been targeted by violent criminals due to their ethnicity, nationality, or race to come forward and report it by calling 787-987-6500 or submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.”

If convicted, defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeanette Collazo and Jonathan Gottfried of the Violent Crimes Section are in charge of the prosecution of the case.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the FBI.  If convicted on all counts, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

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

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A Dominican national was sentenced today to nine years in prison for his involvement in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy in Puerto Rico.

According to court documents, Alcibades De Paz, 34, was one of the individuals at the helm of a vessel carrying non-citizens, including a three-year-old boy, from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. The defendant operated the vessel during the human smuggling venture. When the vessel stopped functioning, the defendant aided in starting the engine and holding the throttle of the outboard engine of the boat towards the shore of Rincón, Puerto Rico, while evading law enforcement’s attempts to safely intercept the vessel. On Dec. 23, 2022, the vessel capsized as it reached the shoreline, leading to the death of a three-year-old child who was illegally being smuggled to the United States.

On Aug. 27, De Paz pleaded guilty to one count of bringing certain aliens into the United States, resulting in death. In addition to his term of imprisonment, De Paz was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico; and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan made the announcement.

HSI San Juan investigated this case, with assistance from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau’s Joint Forces of Rapid Action and U.S. Border Patrol, Ramey Sector.

Trial Attorney Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto for the District of Puerto Rico prosecuted the case.

The investigation was conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

WASHINGTON — Two Dominican nationals were sentenced for smuggling juvenile American eels from Puerto Rico.

On Nov. 14, U.S. District Court Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón for the District of Puerto Rico sentenced Simón De la Cruz Paredes, 56, to 24 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. Today, Judge Delgado-Colón sentenced Saúl Enrique José De la Cruz, 39, to 24 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Paredes and De la Cruz spent months harvesting juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata), also known as glass eels, in the rivers around Levittown, Puerto Rico. Once they caught the eels, the defendants kept them alive with an oxygenation system while a boat was built to travel back to the Dominican Republic. On Feb. 21, both defendants left Puerto Rico bound for the Dominican Republic in a boat that contained 30 kilograms of glass eels, a handgun and 850 rounds of ammunition. Paredes and De La Cruz stated that they intended to sell the eels in the Dominican Republic, after which the fish would be shipped to Asia.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) intercepted Paredes and De la Cruz about 40 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico. The men refused to stop their boat and USCG was obligated to neutralize the vessel’s engines, after which the defendants were arrested and indicted.

Paredes and De la Cruz both previously pleaded guilty to smuggling the eels in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554 and trafficking in illegal wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act. De la Cruz also pleaded guilty to failing to heave to when ordered to stop by the Coast Guard. According to court documents, the juvenile eels were worth at least $132,000 and would be worth more than $1 million once raised to adulthood.

“Eels are a highly sought-after food source, including for sushi,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Juvenile or glass eels are key to this food production. Unfortunately, they are often illegally harvested, which has already decimated their numbers in Japan and Europe, and which is also having a profound effect on the American eel population. That is why we will vigorously prosecute individuals or entities caught illegally harvesting glass eels.”

“The illegal trafficking of wildlife threatens the survival of many endangered species,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made it a priority to protect our natural resources. The environmental protection laws protect the animals, resources, and habitats within Puerto Rico.”

“We work closely with our joint enforcement partners to detect and identify potential illegal activity related to the Lacey Act,” said Acting Assistant Director Paige Casey of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division. “Through our partnerships, we are able to successfully prosecute and convict individuals, such as in this case, who illegally harvest and traffic marine wildlife that could disrupt our fair trade market.”

“These two convictions highlight the collective and unwavering resolve of our Coast Guard and sister U.S. law enforcement agencies to protect the living marine resources and hold transnational smuggling organizations accountable,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of USCG’s Sector San Juan. “As one of our most sensitive missions, we must continue to generate awareness of the impacts smugglers are having in eradicating eel populations around the globe. Now, the juvenile American eel population is being targeted at home, we must remain vigilant as a service and a nation to this threat.”

The American eel is a species of fish native to the Eastern United States and the Caribbean. The American eel is a “catadromous” species, meaning that it reproduces in saltwater systems and matures in fresh water (riverine) systems. American eel eggs hatch in the Atlantic Ocean’s Sargasso Sea, after which ocean currents carry the juvenile eels along the eastern American coast. Tidal fluctuations then wash the eels into freshwater river systems, including the rivers of Puerto Rico, after which they migrate upstream. Once a glass eel matures, it will return to the Sargasso Sea in order to spawn.

Because American eels have not been successfully bred in captivity, the commercial market is concentrated on the juvenile glass eel stage. Once captured, glass eels are typically sold to aquaculture facilities in Asia, where they are raised into adults and sold for foods including for sushi as unagi. The fishing pressure on juvenile eels has contributed to record low population numbers.

NOAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Offices of Law Enforcement are leading the investigation as part of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force, along with USCG and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Puerto Rico Police Bureau, Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA) and Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources also provided valuable assistance.

Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney and Environmental Litigation Coordinator Seth A. Erbe for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The last two defendants in the Hipopótamo Restaurant robbery that resulted on the murder of Jesús Francisco Pérez — a 15-year-old minor who was an employee of the restaurant, were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández.

Basilio Matías-Fajardo was sentenced to 21 years in prison and a supervised release term of five years. Matías-Fajardo, an employee of the El Hipopótamo restaurant, was convicted by a federal jury on August 12, 2024, for conspiracy to interfere with commerce through robbery, aiding and abetting in the interference with commerce through robbery, and aiding and abetting the use, carrying, and discharging of a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Defendant Luis Cabán-Nieves was sentenced to 11 years in prison and a supervised release term of five years for his participation during the robbery.

Yesterday, November 13, 2024, defendant Geofley Jomar Pérez, was sentenced to 31 years and nine months in prison, and a supervised release term of five years; and defendant Edwin Peña-Valdéz was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison, and a supervised release term of three years.

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Jospe Jomar Santos-Mercado was sentenced to 24 years and three months in prison, and a supervised release term of five years; and defendant Luis Aulet-Maldonado was sentenced to 26 years and three months in prison, and a supervised release term of five years.

According to court documents, the defendants planned and executed the armed robbery at the restaurant El Hipopótamo, during which three victims were kidnapped and the minor male victim was shot twice and killed.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI is investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linet Suárez and Julian Radzinschi of the Violent Crime Division prosecuted the case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 7, 2024, United States District Court Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach sentenced Zuleika Molina-Orozco, former comptroller of a not-for-profit sports and social club located at a resort in Humacao, Puerto Rico to 37 months in prison for a wire fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Molina-Orozco was the comptroller of Company A, a not-for-profit sports and social club, and had access and control over Company A’s bank account. Between October 2019 and March 2022, Molina-Orozco fraudulently made thirty-nine (39) unauthorized wire transfers from Company A’s bank account to three (3) of her credit cards and two (2) unauthorized wire transfers to another bank account, all totaling $1,100,283.36. The money the defendant obtained from the fraud scheme was used to pay the defendant’s personal credit card expenses, to purchase a 2020 Ford F-150 truck, and to transfer money to other individuals.

The defendant plead guilty to all eight counts on April 4, 2024. Molina-Orozco was ordered to pay restitution of $1,100,283.36, which corresponds to the money she obtained from the fraud scheme.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Rebecca C. González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

HSI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott H. Anderson prosecuted the case.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In addition to the $12.1 million in grants announced on September 23, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announces another $4,803,662 in grants related to protecting vulnerable victims from domestic violence and related crimes, as listed below:

• Puerto Rico Department of Justice received $1,265,216 from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation.
• Coordinadora Paz Para la Mujer, Inc. received $693,750 from the Office on Violence Against Women for the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program.
• Solo Por Hoy received $450,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women for the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program.
• Proyecto Matria, Inc. received $400,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women for the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program.
• Hogar Nueva Mujer Santa María de la Merced, Inc. received $400,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women for the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program.
• Puerto Rico Instituto de Ciencias Forenses received $294,696 from OJP BJA for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program and $600,000 for the Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction.
• Hogar Ruth, Inc. received $200,000 from OJP BJA for the Meeting the Basic Needs of Underserved Crime Victims.
• Puerto Rico Department of Justice received $500,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women for the Local Law Enforcement Grants for Enforcement of Cybercrimes Program.

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “El Burro”, was arrested today in the municipality of Lajas, PR, on criminal charges related to his alleged drug trafficking and violent crimes charges in three different indictments since 2017. Torres-Delgado’s first indictment in Crim. Case No. 17-621 was issued on December 8, 2017, where he was charged in a conspiracy with 43 other individuals with drug trafficking and firearms violations. The second indictment was issued by a grand jury on May 20, 2019, in Crim. Case No. 19-307 where he was charged with 25 other individuals also with drug trafficking and firearms violations. The third indictment pending against Torres-Delgado was issued on August 21, 2024, in Crim. Case 23-273, where he was charged in a conspiracy with 51 other individuals with drug trafficking, firearms violations, and drug-related murders.

According to court documents, Nelson Torres-Delgado, 37, was the leader of a violent drug trafficking organization in Caguas and other areas, since the early 2010s. He had been a federal fugitive since 2017 and maintained control over the criminal organization as a fugitive through deadly violence and intimidation, and by engaging in violent turf wars against rival drug trafficking organizations. His methods of avoiding capture while controlling his gang included limited face-to-face contact to only the highest and most trusted leaders in his organization.

“As alleged in the indictments, Torres-Delgado was the leader of a violent, armed criminal enterprise that he controlled even as a fugitive from justice since 2017. Thanks to the tenacious efforts and collaboration of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, he now will face justice in a United States courtroom in Puerto Rico,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

“When we work together, we accomplish more and when communities come alongside us as partners in the fight against drug trafficking and violent crime, amazing things can happen,” said Joseph González, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “No one is above the law, and no one is untouchable. Especially, when the public collaborates with law enforcement. The FBI’s commitment is to the people and I look forward to continuing the work we have begun with our local partners and the support of the public.”

“This arrest is a culmination of a long-term fugitive apprehension effort of one of the most violent individuals in an effort to bolster public safety for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division.

Torres-Delgado is charged with drug trafficking, firearms violations, money laundering, and multiple drug-related murders. If convicted, Torres-Delgado faces up to life in prison, with the possibility of the death penalty for certain offenses. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This arrest was led by the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), ATF, and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs R. Vance Eaton and Héctor Siaca Flores are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today that the Chief of the Financial Fraud & Corruption Section, Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Seth Erbe, will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Erbe has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Puerto Rico, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Muldrow said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). 

United States Attorney Muldrow stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Erbe will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (787) 766-5656 and (787) 242-7400.”

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (787) 987-6500.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at (800) 253-3931.

United States Attorney Muldrow said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 28, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 23 violent gang members from the municipality of Aguadilla with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Aguadilla Strike Force were in charge of the investigation of the case. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Response Team (SRT) and Guaynabo Municipal Police SRT collaborated during the arrests.

“Criminal organizations like the one we dismantled today harm the community with drug trafficking and acts of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Federal and state authorities will continue to focus our resources to remove violent gang members from the community so law abiding citizens can live in peace.”

“Our successful operation and the indictment of over 20 individuals in this case stand as a resolute testament to the unwavering commitment of our office to combat drug trafficking organizations across our entire area of responsibility,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “We know our work is not completed when it comes to the fight against violent gangs and the scourge of illegal drugs, but the public can be assured that we will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those who seek to profit from the suffering of others.”

The indictment alleges that from 2015 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, and marihuana within 1,000 feet of La Montaña Public Housing Project, and other areas nearby the municipality of Aguadilla, all for significant financial gain and profit.

As part of the conspiracy, the defendants established a drug distribution point that would move within different areas inside the public housing project, in order to avoid police detection. While selling narcotics at the drug point, the co‑conspirators used face masks to avoid identification by law enforcement officers and asked potential buyers for a government identification prior to selling the narcotics to detect government agents.

The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to include: leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. The members of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to intimidate rival drug trafficking organizations, and to discipline members of their own organization. The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are:

[1] Efraín Pellot-Guerra, a.k.a “Fri Fri”

[2] Marcelino Nieves-Flores, a.k.a “Boster”

[3] Luis Abraham Berdecía, a.k.a “Luisito”

[4] Caleb John Arocho-Quiñones, a.k.a “Caleb/John El Vizco/El Gordo”

[5] Rolando Martell-Bartolomey, a.k.a “Chava”

[6] Jose Pellot- Avilés, a.k.a “Carimarcao”

[7] Jesús Manuel Lorenzo, a.k.a “Chino/Gordo”

[8] Mason Maisonet-Cruz

[9] Bryan Snaidel Rodríguez-Nieves

[10] Giordanny Levi González-Molina

[11] Jeremy Khalil Arvelo-Cruz

[12] Héctor Rosado Álvarez, a.k.a “Onix”

[13] Dwight Arvelo-Sánchez

[14] Marc Anthony Rodríguez-Cestero

[15] Carlos Morales-Malavé, a.k.a “Gonzalo”

[16] Santos López-Nieves, a.k.a “Choki”

[17] Julio Valentín-García, a.k.a “Melaza”

[18] Elian Jafred Quiles-Vega, a.k.a “Keko”

[19] Gianny Kid Vega-Molina, a.k.a “Anthony”

[20] Félix Pardo-Hernández

[21] Kevin Vargas-Vega, a.k.a “Flow”

[22] Juan Seín-González

[23] Carlos Manuel Vega-Román

Eight defendants are charged in Count Five with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The FBI thanks the PRPB Aguadilla Strike Force for their assistance in this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs Pedro R. Casablanca, and Héctor Siaca Flores are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges in Count Five, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $6,897,500.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –Today, Bryan Xavier Pérez Hernández was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi-Jordan to 235 months (19 years and seven months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for production of child exploitation material and drug trafficking charges.

According to court documents, Bryan Xavier Pérez Hernández knowingly used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced 13-year-old female minor G.L.C.C., to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child exploitation material. On April 18, 2024, Pérez Hernández also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, including distribution to a minor.

On August 16, 2024, Melanie Cruz Clivilles, mother of the minor victim was sentenced to four years in prison for lying to a federal law enforcement agent. Cruz Clivilles made a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation by falsely stating to a Task Force Officer of the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations that she first met Bryan Xavier Pérez Hernández at the hospital on August 4, 2023, where he arrived with defendant’s deceased daughter G.L.C.C. The statement and representation were false because, as she then and there knew, she had met Pérez Hernández at the latest in July of 2023, and had been with him during a meeting on August 3, 2023.

“This sentence concludes a disturbing case in which a 13-year-old girl died at the hands of her adult boyfriend and her complicit mother,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I commend the prosecution team and our law enforcement partners who worked diligently to ensure that these defendants were held accountable for their crimes.”

“13-year-old Gabriela Cabán Cruz died at the hands of individuals she trusted. As a society we can’t accept inappropriate relationships between minors and adults, we need to report, get involved, most importantly if it involves child neglect,’ said Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge HSI San Juan. “Today we mourn the death of a thirteen-year-old who we failed, let’s stay vigilant and if we see something, say something. As an agency our priority will always be the safety of our minors. This sentencing reflects the commitment HSI and the PRPB have towards child exploitation investigations, a tough investigation worked together to seek justice for Gabriela.”

Homeland Security Investigations and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernández Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case.

For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit https://www.ice.gov/topics/iGuardians; and to denounce suspicious activities call 787-729-6969.

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 25 individuals with conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs and to defraud the United States. In separate indictment, another individual was charged with unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. In a separate charging instrument, another individual was charged with and pleaded guilty to unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs.

According to court documents, from 2018 to the present, the defendants engaged in the unlicensed wholesale distribution of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs for financial gain. This unlicensed wholesale distribution included the sale of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs to local pharmacy employees and owners for subsequent sale to pharmacy customers, without the customers’ knowledge that the products were misbranded and diverted.

Diversion refers to processes by which prescription drugs are removed from, and then reintroduced into, the legitimate chain of distribution. Once a prescription drug is diverted outside of the regulated distribution channels, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, for regulators such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), law enforcement, or end-users to know whether the prescription drug package actually contains the correct drug or the correct dose. A drug is misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) if its labeling: (1) lacked “adequate directions for use;” or (2) failed to bear “adequate warnings against use in those pathological conditions or by children where its use may be dangerous to health, or against unsafe dosage or methods or duration of administration or application, in such manner or form as are necessary for the protection of users.” 21 U.S.C. § 352(f). Additionally, a drug is misbranded if it was a prescription drug and was dispensed without a lawful written or oral order of a licensed practitioner. 21 U.S.C. § 353(b).

The defendants purchased and sold prescription drugs in resealable plastic bags without any labels, markings, lot numbers, expiration dates or adequate directions as required by law, creating a significant risk of harm. These prescription drugs were often stored in personal residences and/or transported via United States mail. The co-conspirators and others engaged in this scheme unlawfully generated revenue in an amount exceeding $13,000,000 by selling and distributing misbranded and diverted prescription drugs.

In addition to the unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs, eleven pharmacy owners and employees from five separate pharmacies were also charged with a health care fraud conspiracy. These defendants caused materially false and fraudulent claims to be submitted to healthcare benefit plans representing that the products sold to customers were authentic and obtained through licensed pharmaceutical distribution channels. By selling diverted prescription drugs and billing healthcare benefit plans for authentic drugs, these defendants financially enriched the pharmacy owners and defrauded both the healthcare benefit plans and the pharmacies’ unsuspecting retail customers.

The defendants and their roles in the conspiracy were:

A.        Pharmacy Owners and Employees- Pharmacy owners or employees who purchased drugs from unlicensed wholesale distributors and were involved in the buying and selling of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs:

[1] Valerie M. Cintrón-Rivera: co-owner of Farmacia Monte Verde in Bayamón, PR

[2] María T. Rivera-Fuentes: co-owner of Farmacia Monte Verde in Bayamón, PR

[3] Jaime Figueroa-Ramos: owner of Farmacia Santa Olaya in Bayamón, PR

[4] Elisa Cruzado-Ramos: pharmacist of Farmacia Santa Olaya in Bayamón, PR

[5] Nivia Ríos-Matos: pharmacy technician of Farmacia Santa Olaya in Bayamón, PR

[6] Raul Morera-Llera: co-owner of Farmacia Unity in Aibonito, PR

[7] Enid M. Rivera-Rosario: co-owner of Farmacia Unity in Aibonito, PR

[8] Gerardo A. Romero-Marcano: co-owner of Farmacia San Antonio in Canóvanas, PR

[9] Sheila Rodríguez-Agosto: co-owner of Farmacia San Antonio in Canóvanas, PR

[10] Gabriel A. Rodríguez-Malavé: co-owner of Farmacia Brisas del Mar in Luquillo, PR

[11] Rosaida Torres: co-owner of Farmacia Brisas del Mar in Luquillo, PR

B.        Unlicensed Wholesale Distributors- Individuals involved in the unlicensed wholesale distribution and selling of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs:

[12] Alberto Meléndez-Nieves, a.k.a. “Bertin”

[13] Ángel L. Santiago-Cruz, a.k.a. “Aguacate”

[14] Eddin Orlando Santiago-Cordero, a.k.a. “Guayacán”

[15] Eric J. Collazo-Rivera, a.k.a. “Eric Manía”

[16] Javier E. Ortiz-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tato”

[17] Holvin E. Avilés-Carmona, a.k.a. “Holvin”

[18] Marlon E. Marino-Leal, a.k.a. “Chamo”

[19] José M. Amalbert-Rohena, a.k.a. “Chema”

[20] Miguel A. Rojas-Reyes, a.k.a. “Dr. Hacienda”

[21] Rosa M. Méndez-González, a.k.a. “Puruca”

[22] Antonio F. Portilla-Arzola, a.k.a.  “Portilla”

[23] Reynaldo Guzmán-Martínez, a.k.a. “Bebo Canales”

[24] Moisés O. Heredia-Tineo, a.k.a. “Billy”

[25] José A. González-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Potala”

According to the investigation, the FDA approved prescription drugs that the defendants illegally distributed were:

Advair, Albuterol, Alphagan, Anoro Ellipta, Arnuity Ellipta, Aspen Dexamfetamine,  Atripla, Atrovent, Azopt, Bepreve, Biktarvy, Breo Ellipta, Brilinta, Budesonide, Bumetanide, Byrdureon Pen, Cialis, Chloramphenicol, Collagenase Santyl, Combigan, Combivent Respimat, Daliresp, Delstrigo, Descovy, Dovato, Edurant, Eliquis, Enbrel, Entresto, Famotidine, Farxiga, Flavfour HFA, Flovent, Fluticasone, Fluticatone, Genvoya, Glyxambi, Humalog, Humira, Humulin, Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride, Incruse Ellipta, Invokamet, Invokana, Isentress, Janumet, Januvia, Jardiance, Jentadueto, Juluca, Ketorolac, Kombliglyze, Lantus, Latuda, Levalbuterol, Linzess, Lumigan, Malarone, Methimazole, Modafinil, Mounjaro, Naltrexone, Nebivolol, Neurin, Novolog, Odefsey, Onglyza, Ozempic, Pifeltro, Premarin, Prezista, Pro Air, Qvar, Restasis, Rinvoq, Rocklatan, Rosuvastatine, Rukobia, Rybelsus, Segluromet, Selegline, Silver, Soliqua, Spiriva, Steglatro, Stiolto Respimat, Stribild, Symbicort, Symtuza, Synjardy, Synthroid, Tivicay, Toujeo Pen, Tradjenta, Trelegy Ellipta, Tresiba, Trijardy, Triumeq, Trulicity, Ventolin, Victoza, Wixela, Xarelto, Xigduo, Zeal, among others.

In a separate indictment, Jorge Rivera-Pérez, a.k.a. “Jorge Pastilla”, was charged in a six-count indictment with unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs, misbranding of prescription drugs with intent to mislead and defraud, and theft, trafficking, and sale of pre-retail medical products. Defendant Jorge Rivera-Pérez was a purchasing and procurement department employee for Company A, a medical facility located in Manatí, Puerto Rico, and an entity that purchased prescription drugs from legitimate licensed wholesale distributors of prescription drugs kept as a pre-retail medical product to be used in the operations of the medical facility. Rivera-Pérez was not a licensed wholesale distributor for prescription drugs. The defendant used his position to obtain pre-retail medical products unlawfully and intentionally, to wit, prescribed medications, from the Company A storage warehouse access-controlled area located at the basement of the building and to subsequently sell them to individual pharmacy owners at a steep price discount when compared to legitimate wholesalers.

On September 23, 2024, Eric Aquino-García was charged via information and pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Gina M. Méndez to misbranding prescription drugs and unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drug. Aquino-García admitted that from 2018 through 2024, he was a member of this network of individuals and pharmacy owners who knowingly conspired to buy and sell wholesale quantities of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs for financial gain.

On November 14, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed at Aquino-García’s residence where misbranded and diverted prescription drugs were seized having a value in excess of $3.4 million. These drugs were destined to be purchased and resold via retail pharmacies in Puerto Rico.

“The defendants enriched themselves through a fraudulent scheme that cost Medicare and Medicaid over $7.6 million,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Moreover, the defendants, in clear disregard of the patients’ needs and medical conditions, distributed medications without the proper procedure and instructions on how to administer such medications. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the community from people who abuse their positions to enrich themselves illegally through health care fraud.”

“Individuals who exploit federal health care programs to seek personal financial gain put the health and safety of communities at risk. Prescription drugs are intended to be distributed from the manufacturer to licensed wholesale distributors, to pharmacies, and then to patients,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “Today’s indictment illustrates HHS-OIG’s staunch commitment to combating health care fraud with our law enforcement partners.”

“The FDA oversees the prescription drug supply chain so that patients and consumers can expect their prescribed medications to be safe and effective. The defendants in this case undermined the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public, introduced diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain, and compromised patient safety for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “Thanks to the efforts of our FDA-OCI agents, and our HHS OIG and USAO partners, this scheme was identified, investigated and dismantled. These indictments are a clear demonstration that FDA will not stop pursuing and bringing to justice those who would put the public health at risk through their criminal actions.”

The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, the defendants face the following sentences: up to five years in prison for the conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs and to defraud the United States; up to 10 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs; up to three years in prison for unauthorized trading partner and misbranding of prescription drugs with intent to mislead and defraud; and up to 20 in prison for theft, trafficking, and sale of pre-retail medical products. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) are investigating the case. The collaboration and assistance of the U.S. Marshal Service and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau in executing the corresponding arrests is appreciated.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace A. Bustelo is prosecuting these cases.

Patients are encouraged to speak to their health care provider or report an adverse event to the FDA. Health care providers can report adverse events to the FDA through FDA’s online reporting portal on the FDA website. If someone is having a medical emergency, please call 911.

To report adverse events and quality control issues, please contact:

FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting Line:1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) and Press 2 to report to MedWatch or for instructions.

FDA MedWatch Online: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch

To report illegal conduct, please contact:

HHS-OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or https://tips.oig.hhs.gov

To file a voluntary self-disclosure, please access the link below:

https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/self-disclosure-info/self-disclosure-protocol/

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

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office reached two settlement agreements with local pharmacies and their respective owners to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting or causing to be submitted fraudulent claims for payment to the Medicare and Medicaid Programs from October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2023. Farmacia Beatriz, LLC, from Cidra, PR, and Edwin Valentin-Rosario paid $725,640 while CDT Policlínica Familiar Florida and Jesús Vázquez agreed to pay $1.4 million, of which $1.3 million has already been collected.

The allegations involve the pharmacies’ submission for payment of prescription drugs dispensed to patients, under their owner’s direction, in excess of the inventory of prescription drugs purchased by the pharmacies from legitimate wholesalers. As a result, a substantial number of unique claims were submitted for pharmacy services to the Medicare and Medicaid Programs as false representations in violation of the False Claims Act. These transactions could not be tracked to purchases of prescription medications from legitimate wholesalers.

This practice of diverting medications from legitimate channels affects the pedigree of the medications that are ultimately dispensed to patients. It creates uncertainty as to their proper handling, including storage in compliance with regulations and sanitary conditions, thereby potentially affecting the potency and efficacy of the medications. Additionally, federal health care programs were induced to pay for medications that may have been compromised and do not comply with Federal Drug Administration inventory and handling regulations.

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Other federal and local agencies have also provided support to the investigation.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rafael López Rivera investigated and prosecuted the matter.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. San Juan, in the District of Puerto Rico, has been designated as a participant in this initiative.

The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with designated jurisdictions to develop plans to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders who are prohibited from owning firearms under Title 18 United States Code § 922(g). 

Communities were selected for participation in this initiative in collaboration with community stakeholders, seeking diverse representation from rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from additional resources to address intimate partner violence, and the local jurisdictions committed to partnering with the Department to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The designation represents a coordinated effort between the Department and the local jurisdictions to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.

“The United States. Attorney’s Office will continue allocating resources to effectively respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We appreciate the support of our partners at ATF and other state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as health care providers and other professionals in addressing domestic and related violence.”

“ATF stays in unison with our state and local partners in combatting intimate partner violence against members of our community,” said Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge ATF Miami Field Division.

In addition, the Department of Justice has recently awarded, among others, the following grants to support community efforts to expand domestic violence prevention and intervention in Puerto Rico:

• The Women’s Advocate Office received $1,882,464 from the Office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 STOP Formula Grant Program
• The Puerto Rico Department of Justice received $7,293,295 from the Office of Justice Programs, Office of Victims of Crime entitled OVC FY24 VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant
• The Puerto Rico Department of Justice received $500,000 from the Office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Enhancing Investigation and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking (EIP) Initiative
• Solo Por Hoy received $500,000 from the office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking Against Children and Youth Program
• The Women’s Advocate Office received $854,654 from the Office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program
• Proyecto Matria, Inc. received $400,000 from the Office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program Expanding Legal Services Initiative
• Coordinadora Paz para la Mujer received $367,379 from the Office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
• Boys & Girls Club of PR Inc. received $350,000 from the Office of Violence Against Women for the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program.

The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated under Section 1103 of VAWA as USAOs continue to coordinate resources with their local stakeholders.  All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. 

Complete List of Jurisdictions Designated under Section 1103 as of September 11, 2024:

Montgomery County, Alabama

Jefferson County, Alabama

Little Rock, Arkansas

Washington County, Arkansas

Fresno, California

San Diego, California

Hartford, Connecticut

Ward 7, District of Columbia

Jacksonville, Florida

Alachua County, Florida

Metro Miami-Dade County, Florida

Macon-Bibb County, Georgia

DeKalb County, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia

City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii

Ada County, Idaho

Danville, Illinois

Rockford, Illinois

Madison County, Illinois

Gary, Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana

Des Moines, Iowa

Linn County, Iowa

Garden City, Kansas

Fayette County, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky

Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Rapides Parish, Louisiana

Western Maine Region: Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin Counties, Maine

Baltimore City, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Saginaw, Michigan

Lansing, Michigan

Greenville, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri

Greene County, Missouri

Gallatin County and Bozeman, Montana

Northeast Omaha, Nebraska

Las Vegas, Nevada

Strafford County, New Hampshire

Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Borough of Brooklyn, New York

Onondaga County, New York

Borough and County of the Bronx, New York

Monroe County, New York

Fayetteville and Cumberland County, North Carolina

Forsyth County, North Carolina

Asheville (including Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), North Carolina

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Toledo, Ohio

Muskogee County, Oklahoma

Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma

Portland, Oregon

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Greenville County, South Carolina

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota

City of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee

Gregg County, Texas

Amarillo, Texas

Houston, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Salt Lake County, Utah

South Hampton Roads (Chesapeake/Norfolk/Portsmouth/Virginia Beach), Virginia

Oswald Harris Court Housing Community, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Chittenden County, Vermont

Spokane County, Washington

King County, Washington

Wheeling Area (Ohio/Brooke/Hancock Counties), West Virginia

Kanawha County, West Virginia

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dane County, Wisconsin

Fremont County, Wyoming

# # #

United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow released the following statement regarding the passing of former United States Attorney Daniel López Romo.

On behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former United States Attorney Daniel López Romo and recognize his exceptional service to the people of Puerto Rico and the nation.

López Romo was a distinguished attorney and a great man, and we honor his many years of dedicated public service. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

# # #

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On Friday, Sept. 13, two Puerto Rican men were sentenced for their destruction, removal and fill of protected wetlands in Puerto Rico in violation of the Clean Water Act.

U.S. District Court Judge Gina R. Méndez-Miró for the District of Puerto Rico sentenced Rafael Carballo-Díaz, 51, to 12 months in prison, one year of supervised release and a $4,000 fine. According to court documents, starting in July 2020, Carballo-Díaz destroyed, removed and filled mangrove wetland areas within and around the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) in Las Mareas, Puerto Rico. Despite lacking a permit, he filled the area with quarry material, gated the area, placed at least six mobile housing units on the property and added a pool. He then named the property “Cacique Resort” and rented the units online as short-term vacation properties.

Nathaniel Hernández-Claudio, property manager at Carballo-Díaz’s Cacique Resort, was sentenced by Judge Méndez-Miró to 12 months of probation for his role in filling the property. Both Carballo-Díaz and Hernández-Claudio were indicted in December 2023, and pleaded guilty in July.

Mangrove wetlands, such as those destroyed by the defendants, are critical to local infrastructure, economies and ecosystems because they can limit damage from flooding and storms, reduce pollution and provide habitat for numerous marine and endangered species. The JBNERR was designated as a reserve in 1981 to protect the wetlands and study the biological and societal impacts of estuarine habitat, as well as provide recreation and educational opportunities to local communities. The reserve is home to the endangered brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill turtle and West Indian manatee.

Congress enacted the Clean Water Act in 1972 to protect and maintain the integrity of the waters of the United States. It prohibits the discharge of any pollutant and fill material into waters of the United States except when a permit is obtained from the United States.

This case is part of an ongoing investigation into the destruction of wetlands in Puerto Rico. Previously charged individuals include Luis Enrique Rodríguez-Sánchez, sentenced in June; Awildo Jiménez-Mercado sentenced on Sept. 11; and Pedro Luis Bones-Torres, scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated the case, with support from the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force.

Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

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A Dominican national pleaded guilty today to his role in a human smuggling venture that resulted in the deaths of multiple migrants.

Fermín Montilla, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of bringing aliens to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry resulting in death.

According to court documents, Montilla was involved in a maritime human smuggling venture that attempted to bring migrants illegally to the United States. On or about the evening of May 12, 2022, Montilla knowingly brought 48 persons to the United States unlawfully. Montilla’s actions caused the deaths of 11 of those people.

The defendant is expected to be sentenced later this year and faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico; and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan made the announcement.

HSI San Juan investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

Trial Attorney Angela Buckner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

A Puerto Rico man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine for the destruction and filling of wetlands in violation of the Clean Water Act.

According to court documents, between January 2020 and December 2023, Awildo Jimenez-Mercado, 41, removed mangroves from wetlands within and around the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) in Las Mareas, Puerto Rico. Despite lacking a permit, he filled the area with quarry material and built concrete structures atop. Jimenez-Mercado then built hospitality rental homes and an in-ground pool on the land, as well as a dock extending into the Caribbean Sea. He then named the property “Hidden Paradise” and rented the units online as short-term vacation properties for up to $495 per night. Jimenez-Mercado was indicted on Dec. 6, 2023, and pleaded guilty on May 3.

Mangrove wetlands, such as those destroyed by Jimenez-Mercado, are critical to local infrastructure, economies and ecosystems because they can limit damage from flooding and storms, reduce pollution and provide habitat for numerous marine and endangered species. The JBNERR was designated as a reserve in 1981 to protect the wetlands and study the biological and societal impacts of estuarine habitat, as well as provide recreation and educational opportunities to local communities. The reserve is home to the endangered brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill turtle and West Indian manatee.

Congress enacted the Clean Water Act in 1972 to protect and maintain the integrity of the waters of the United States. It prohibits the discharge of any pollutant and fill material into waters of the United States except when a permit is obtained from the United States.

This case is part of an ongoing investigation into the destruction of wetlands in Puerto Rico. Previously charged individuals include Luis Enrique Rodriguez-Sanchez, sentenced in June; Pedro Luis Bones-Torres, scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7; and Rafael Carballo-Diaz and Nathaniel Hernandez-Claudio, who are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 13.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated the case, with support from the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force.

Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States District Court Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach sentenced three individuals in three separate cases for production of child pornography.

Noah Spearman, 23, was sentenced on September 4, 2024, to 327 months (27 years and three months) in prison, and a supervised release term of life, for four counts of production of child pornography. On May 24, 2023, Spearman pleaded guilty to four counts of production of child pornography.

According to court documents, from August 2021 through July 2022, Spearman induced, enticed, and coerced four female victims, ranging from nine to eleven years of age, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Spearman used different social media applications such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Tyia to commit these crimes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ginette Milanés prosecuted the case.

On August 29, 2024, Christopher Joel Rabell-Piñeiro, 26, was sentenced to 210 months (17 years and six months) in prison and a supervised release term of 15 years, for one count of production of child pornography.

According to court documents, Rabell-Piñeiro used his cell phone and internet instant messaging services from November 2021 through March 2022 to use and coerce a 12-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that sexual conduct and transmitting the images.

Rabell-Piñeiro was indicted on May 31, 2023, and pleaded guilty on May 28, 2024. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

AUSA Emelina Agrait-Barreto from the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, prosecuted the case.

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Eric Torres-Nieves, was sentenced to 66 months (five years and six months) of imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release for obtaining via the internet and possessing child pornography in his electronic devices.

AUSA Jenifer Hernández Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case and HSI was in charge of the investigation of the case.

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón sentenced Bladimir López-Sanes, to 72 months (six years) of imprisonment followed by six years of supervised release for transferring via the internet child pornography in his electronic devices.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernández Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case and HSI was in charge of the investigation of the case.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office; and Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcements.

All cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal jury convicted Jonathan Torres-Rojas on August 27, 2024, for Conspiracy to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Interference with Commerce by Robbery.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Torres-Rojas, along with at least one more individual, conspired to unlawfully take and obtain property consisting in U.S. currency from the business El Rejón del Gallo in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, which resulted in the death of José Antonio Medina Meléndez, the owner of El Rejón del Gallo.

On June 12, 2015, the defendant and others, met to discuss a plan to rob El Rejón del Gallo. That same day after 10 pm, Torres-Rojas and others arrived the business wearing black long-sleeved clothing, face masks, and carrying firearms. As the owner and wife were closing El Rejón del Gallo, the assailants approached the victims, grabbed one of the victims, and demanded money. Eventually, the victims gave the assailants the money, but the assailants demanded more. As the victims begged for their lives and complied, they told the assailants to take their vehicle when they demanded the keys for the 2001 gray Toyota Sequoia; then two shots were fired killing José Antonio Medina Meléndez.

The sentencing hearing was scheduled for December 6, 2024, at 9:00 AM.

The co-defendant in this case, Juan A. Negrón-Rodríguez, pleaded guilty on April 9, 2024, for interference with commerce by robbery and carjacking resulting in death. On July 9, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé sentenced Negrón-Rodríguez to 22 years (264 months) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez Lora is prosecuting the case.

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A national of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty yesterday to his involvement in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy in Puerto Rico.

Alcibades De Paz, 34, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of bringing certain aliens into the United States, resulting in death.

According to court documents, the defendant was identified as one of the captains of a vessel illegally carrying individuals, including a three-year-old child, from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. The defendant admitted to operating the vessel during the human smuggling venture. While the co-conspirators were evading Puerto Rican law enforcement attempting to intercept the vessel safely, the vessel stopped functioning; De Paz admitted that he aided in starting the engine and throttling the boat’s engine towards the Puerto Rican shoreline. The vessel capsized as it reached the shoreline, leading to the child’s death.

“While smuggling migrants by boat to the United States, Alcibades De Paz attempted to evade law enforcement and sped toward the beach — a decision that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child after the vessel capsized,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This tragedy demonstrates human smugglers’ callous disregard for human life. The Criminal Division is committed to combating human smugglers who prey upon vulnerable migrants.”

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. De Paz faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Puerto Rico investigated this case, with assistance from Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD)’s Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA) and U.S. Border Patrol, Ramey Sector.

Trial Attorney Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment on August 21, 2024, charging 52 violent gang members from the municipality of Caguas with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, firearms violations, murder, and money laundering, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

The initial federal indictment charged 38 individuals with drug trafficking, firearms violations, and one murder. The superseding indictment supplants the initial indictment, charges 14 additional defendants, and charges money laundering offenses and four more shootings involving 8 victims -- including the December 7, 2021, shooting in Cidra where five victims were killed.

“A year ago, we announced the arrests of some of the members of this violent gang, but our investigation did not end with those arrests. Today, we announce that through the efforts of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, additional defendants have been arrested and charged with additional murders,” said United States Attorney Muldrow. “We will continue to hold violent gang members accountable for their crimes. Although the leader of this violent gang remains a fugitive from justice, we will continue to pursue him and his criminal associates, no matter where they hide or how long it takes.”

“Our communities are being torn apart by the devastating impact of drug trafficking. It’s crucial to understand that everyone involved, from the kingpins to those who support their criminal operations, share responsibility for the destruction and violence that follows in their wake. We will not rest until those responsible for perpetuating this cycle of suffering are brought to justice,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “In the FBI, we are committed to pursuing every avenue to dismantle this criminal network, which includes seizing and forfeiting all ill-gotten gains and assets acquired through drug trafficking. This will encompass everything from boats and cars to houses and businesses, and even the arrest of those who are making it possible for fugitives of this organization to remain at large. There will be no safe haven for those who profit from this illegal activity.”

The superseding indictment alleges that from 2017 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, marihuana, Fentanyl, Oxycodone (Percocet), and Alprazolam (Xanax) within 1,000 feet of the Brisas del Turabo, the Raúl Castellón, the Turabo Heights, and the Juan Jiménez García Public Housing Projects; and at the Barriada Morales, Barriada La Pajilla, and Bunker Wards in Caguas, and other areas throughout Puerto Rico, all for significant financial gain and profit.

Defendant [1] Nelson Torres-Delgado, the alleged leader of the violent drug trafficking organization charged in this Superseding Indictment, has held power over drug trafficking in the Caguas area since the early 2010s. He has been a federal fugitive since 2017 and has maintained control over the organization as a fugitive through deadly violence and intimidation, and by engaging in violent turf wars against rival drug trafficking organizations. His methods of avoiding capture while controlling his gang include limiting face-to-face contact to only the highest and most trusted leaders in his organization.

The defendants allegedly acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to include: leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts. The members of the gang allegedly used force, violence, and intimidation to maintain control of the areas in which they operated. The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are:

[1] Nelson Torres-Delgado, a.k.a. “El Burro/Burro/

       Father/Nelsito/Cuatro Patas/El Animal/El Animal de Cuatro Patas

[2] Edwin Padilla-López, a.k.a. “Play/NBA/Pliki/Biscochito/Bizcochito/Juga” 

[3] Ronald Aponte-Marquez, a.k.a. “El Enano/Enano/Sepe”

[4] Eroz Rodríguez-Hernández, a.k.a. “Eros/Wason/El Joker”

[5] José Jiménez-Ramos, a.k.a. “El Mono/Mono/Joel El Mono”

[6] Lenne Carrasquillo-Serrano, a.k.a. “Taz/Leny/Lenny/Lenee/La J”

[7] Giovanny Solis-Carrasco, a.k.a. “Blanquito/Jova El Blanco/Joba El Blanco/Jova”

[8] Evaristo González-Vega, a.k.a. “Sonic/Viejo/Eva”

[9] Jariel Figueroa-Maymi, a.k.a. “Moni”

[10] José Torres-Pagán, a.k.a. “Abelino/Ave/Abe”

[11] Carlos De Jesús-García, a.k.a. “Oreja/Orejas”

[12] Gabriel Vázquez-Roldán, a.k.a. “Gordo/Gabby Gordo/Goldo/

        Goldito/Goldo Vázquez”

[13] José Martinez-Galvez, a.k.a. “El Chef/El Che/Chef”

[14] Armando L. Rivera-Rodríguez

[15] Jan Borges De Jesús, a.k.a. “El Man/Jan el Man/Jan El Chulo”

[16] Lester Vélez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “El Eco/El Feo/Coco”

[17] Vanessa Santiago-Cotto

[18] Diana Mimoso-Figueroa, a.k.a. “La D/Di”

[19] José de la Vega, a.k.a. “Chupi/Pablo/Pablito”

[20] Michael Rodríguez-Flores, a.k.a. “Pinki”

[21] José Gautier-Medina, a.k.a. “Tempo”

[22] Miguel González-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Miky/Mikyy/El Code”

[23] Brian Sierra-Feliciano, a.k.a. “Kobe”

[24] Eric Camacho-Castro, a.k.a. “Pali”

[25] Héctor Torres-Pagán, a.k.a. “Pepo”

[26] Christian Martines-Franco, a.k.a. “El Menor/Menor/El Mynor/

        Mynor/Christian Menor”

[27] Edward Vázquez-Concepción, a.k.a. “Draculín/Drácula/Draco/Bestia Demon”

[28] Juan Acevedo-Ramos, a.k.a. “Tono/Tonito/Pelotero Kuker”

[29] Jean Villanueva-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Mueca/Mueka/Jan Mueca/Jean Mueca”

[30] Waldemar Pedraza-Díaz, a.k.a. “Walde”

[31] Melquiades Santana-Martínez, a.k.a. “Melki/Melqi”

[32] Juan Orellano-Díaz, a.k.a. “El Indio/Indio”

[33] Cesar Acevedo-Adorno

[34] Elimelec García-Escoda, a.k.a. “Flaco/Eli/Elimelek”

[35] Christopher Contreras-Baez, a.k.a. “Chimuelo”

[36] Luis Burgos-Ofarril, a.k.a. “Pájaro” 

[37] Francisco López-Sánchez

[39] José E. Ortiz-Colón, a.k.a. “Enki/Enky”

[40] Jean Carlos Baez-Algarín, a.k.a. “Taxista/Jan El Jincho/Lindo/Jan Buko/Jan”

[41] Juan Manuel González-Cotto, a.k.a. “Juanma”

[42] Carlos Rolón-Pérez

[43] Joel Omar Jiménez-Díaz, a.k.a. “Quiteo/Kuiteo”

[44] Edgard E. González-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Tomate”

[45] Rafael Acosta-Vega, a.k.a. “Gordo Rafa”

[46] Joey Divan Del Valle-Delgado, a.k.a. “Besito/Jowy”

[47] Minerys Burgos-Caez

[48] Glenda Irizarry-Campos

[49] Sebasthian García-Agostini, a.k.a. “Seba”

[50] Jeremy Johan Pérez-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Jere”

[51] Steven Omar Padilla-López,

[52] Wesley Abel Pedraza-Díaz

Thirty-six defendants are charged in Count Seven with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Count Eight charges 10 defendants with possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Count Nine charges defendants [15] Jan Borges De Jesús, [20] Michael Rodríguez-Flores, [21] José Gautier-Medina, [22] Miguel González-Sánchez, and [23] Brian Sierra-Feliciano for the murder of M.R.M. on May 15, 2022, in Caguas, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(j). The superseding indictment now also charges those same defendants in Count Sixteen with the same murder in violation of another federal offense -- the drive-by shooting statute (18 U.S.C. § 36).

Count Ten charges [38] Sheila Luyando-Fuentes with wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. According to the indictment, Luyando-Fuentes, who was employed in the health care industry and had access to protected health information, acted as a facilitator and shared protected health information with gang members, including information about rival gang members hospitalized with injuries resulting from gun fights between the gangs, to assist in the gang’s efforts to locate and kill their enemies.

Count Eleven charges [2] Edwin Padilla-López, [37] Francisco López-Sánchez, and [42] Carlos Rolón-Pérez for the murder of R.B.M., using firearms, on June 6, 2020.

Count Twelve charges [1] Nelson Torres-Delgado, [2] Edwin Padilla-López, [4] Eroz Rodríguez-Hernández, and [37] Francisco López-Sánchez for the murder of R.M.O. on July 18, 2021.

Counts Thirteen and Fourteen charge [2] Edwin Padilla-López, [3] Ronald Aponte-Marquez, [4] Eroz Rodríguez-Hernández, and [39] José E. Ortiz-Colón for a massacre that occurred on December 7, 2021, in Cidra, Puerto Rico. These defendants murdered J.O.C., S.F.C., A.B.R., J.D.R., and B.A.C. in a drive-by shooting.

Count Fifteen charges [1] Nelson Torres-Delgado, [3] Ronald Aponte-Marquez, [4] Eroz Rodríguez-Hernández, and [41] Juan Manuel González-Cotto for the murder of G.A.H. on March 19, 2022.

Count 17 charges [49] Sebasthian Agostini-García and Count 18 charges [48] Glenda Irizarry-Campos for harboring and concealing E.P.L., a fugitive.

Count 19 charges [2] Edwin Padilla-López, [5] Jose Jiménez-Ramos, [36] Luis Burgos-Ofarril, [37] Francisco López-Sánchez, [47] Minerys Burgos-Caez, [48] Glenda Irizarry-Campos, [49] Sebasthian Agostini-García, and [51] Steven Omar Padilla-López with conspiracy to commit money laundering. These defendants obtained proceeds from drug trafficking in the continental United States and in Puerto Rico and used businesses like M.O. Service LLC and Gnails Marketplace to launder the proceeds. The defendants opened personal and business bank accounts to invest the proceeds into real estate properties, rental properties, motor vehicles and improvements to residential and commercial real estate.

This investigation was led by the FBI San Juan Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), San Juan Municipal Police, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Puerto Rico Treasury Department (Hacienda), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG), Carolina Municipal Police Department, Bayamón Municipal Police Department and the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The FBI thanks the United States Marshals Service (USMS) for their partnership in this investigation.  The FBI also thanks the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, especially the Caguas Drug Unit, Caguas Intelligence Unit, Caguas Homicide Unit, Guayama Homicide Unit, Special Arrests Unit, and Caguas Strike Force, for their assistance in this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and AUSAs Héctor Siaca Flores, and R. Vance Eaton are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged in Count Eight with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking face a mandatory consecutive sentence of thirty years in prison. The defendants charged in Counts Nine and Eleven through Sixteen with the firearms-related murders face a potential sentence of life imprisonment and, if authorized by the Attorney General of the United States, the death penalty. The defendant charged in Count Ten faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Defendants charged in Counts Seventeen and Eighteen face up to five years in prison. The defendants charged for the money laundering counts face up to 20 years in prison.

All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $132 million and the United States is seeking forfeiture of the following property:

1. Cond. Costamar Beach Village West, Loíza, PR
2. Urb. La Campiña, Las Piedras, PR
3. Urb. Lake View State, Caguas, PR
4. Jardines Palmarejo, Canóvanas, PR
5. Urb. Estancias de Cambalache, Vistas de Río Grande, Canóvanas, PR
6. Yagrumos St. Monteverde Cupey 1, Sand Juan, PR
7. 2024 Lexus TX
8. 2017 Mercedes Benz GLC 300
9. 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
10. $33,470 in cash
11. Fourteen black cell phones cloud Mobile C7 (12 in boxes, 2 without boxes), and eighteen T-Mobile Sim cards.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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SAN JUAN, P.R. – On August 22, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned 32 separate indictments charging 32 individuals with engaging in fraud to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits totaling $981,071, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG) are in charge of the investigations with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.

According to the indictments, the defendants engaged in schemes to defraud the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources (Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos, “DTRH”) by submitting fraudulent applications to obtain unemployment insurance benefits which contained PUA funds.

Under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, persons who were business owners, self-employed workers, independent contractors, or gig workers qualified for federal benefits (PUA) administered by the DTRH if they previously performed such work in Puerto Rico and were unemployed, partially unemployed, unable to work, or unavailable to work due to a COVID-19 related reason. To obtain these federal benefits, individuals could apply online through the DTRH’s web site—www.trabajo.pr.gov. Claimants answered various questions to establish their eligibility and were required to provide personal identifying information, which included their name, mailing address, gender, email, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Moreover, claimants had to identify a qualifying occupational status and COVID-19 related reason for being out of work. In their application, claimants could also submit several documents as evidence of their income.

If the DTRH approved a claimant’s application, the DTRH would send a check to the claimant via the United States Postal Service for qualified benefits which could contain regular unemployment insurance benefits and federal funds in the form of PUA, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC); and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits.

The indictments charge the 32 individuals with theft of United States’ property—PUA benefits— mail fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers because the defendants engaged in deceptive conduct designed to fraudulently obtain multiple-unemployment checks from the DTRH by using false social security numbers. The defendants received PUA benefits from the DTRH via mail in the form of checks that they were not qualified or authorized to receive.

The defendants charged and the amount of money fraudulently obtained are:

1. Alexander Hernández-Casanova ($21,576)
2. Héctor Javier Fernández-Porrata ($40,488)
3. José Emanuel Serrano ($30,564)
4. José Manuel Salinas-Bermúdez ($18,180)
5. Kenny A. Cruz-Chévere ($49,476)
6. Luis Felipe Cesani-Cintrón ($66,390)
7. Michael Martínez-Torres ($21,444)
8. Juan José Reyes-Hernaiz ($35,022)
9. Neyscha Lee Font-Fontanez ($22,908)
10. Christopher J. Mercedes-Sánchez ($30,168)
11. Taylor Bryan Rentas-Día ($22,374)
12. Danny Olmo-Quiñones ($22,440)
13. Francisco J. Carrillo-Hernaiz ($43,152)
14. Julio Omar Rodríguez-Algarín ($31,632)
15. Alexander Barbosa-Concepción ($23,304)
16. Bryan Omar De Jesús-Pizarro ($53,636)
17. Bryan De Jesús-Acevedo ($17,580)
18. Carlos Alberto Batista-Serrano ($53,070)
19. Fabián Abdiel García-Concepción ($22,440)
20. Dianelys Ailysh Torres-Pizarro ($34,692)
21. Jamisael Jiménez-Pérez ($30,366)
22. Jerry Isaías Medina-Hernández ($20,112)
23. Jesús Manuel Crespo-Rivera ($31,830)
24. Glendaly Rivera-Torres ($21,708)
25. Joumar Vale-Sauri ($33,069)
26. Kelvin A. Fermaint-Hernández ($22,374)
27. Kenneth Javier Escalera-Paris ($17,910)
28. Manuel Salinas-Bermudez ($40,086)
29. Rodney Eiram Rodríguez-Rivera ($20,112)
30. Yoanelys Vázquez-González ($32,430)
31. Eluzay De Jesús-Acevedo ($17,376)
32. Luis Angel Crespo-Rivera ($33,162)

“The Justice Department remains committed to using every available federal tool to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “We will continue to hold accountable those who seek to exploit the pandemic for personal gain, to protect vulnerable populations, and to safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs.”

“This repeat violation is deeply concerning. It is clear that some individuals continue to exploit a worldwide crisis for personal gain by disregarding the law. We want to make it abundantly clear that this behavior will not be tolerated, now or ever,” stated Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office, Joseph González. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue all leads to ensure that these criminals face justice. If you or anyone you know has information about these crimes, I urge you to come forward by calling (787) 987-6500 or submitting a tip online at tips.FBI.gov. To those who have engaged in these fraudulent acts, I strongly advise you to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement before we take action against you.”

“An important part of the mission of the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving pandemic-related unemployment insurance programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

“The 32 defendants charged are alleged to have collectively stolen close to a million dollars from the federal government by committing fraud in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under the CARES Act. These charges are a reminder that fraud is not a victimless crime and individuals who attempt to commit fraud face significant penalties,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge, Miami Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the U.S. Mail is not utilized as a tool to defraud the government and taxpayers.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson is in charge of the prosecution of these cases. If convicted, the defendants are facing the following sentences: up to 20 years of imprisonment for mail fraud; up to10 years of imprisonment for theft of government money; up to 5 years of imprisonment for misuse of a social security number; a fine of up to $250,000; and three years of supervised release. 

To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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