Home San Juan Press Releases 2009 Arrest of Fugitive Jose Juan Viera-Morales
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Arrest of Fugitive Jose Juan Viera-Morales

FBI San Juan September 12, 2009
  • Special Agent Carlos Osorio (787) 759-1550

On 09/11/2009, the New Jersey State Police-Drug Trafficking Control Unit arrested Jose Juan Viera-Morales, also known as (aka) “Che Juan.” Viera-Morales was arrested by the New Jersey State Police on alleged money laundering charges. 

In December 2007, a Federal Grand Jury returned an indictment for Viera-Morales charging him with Conspiracy to distribute Controlled Substances, specifically, marijuana, heroin, and powder and crack cocaine within Public Housing Projects. Viera-Morales is believed to be a member and an enforcer of the Selles gang. The indictment alleges the Selles gang operated drug distribution points in four different Public Housing Projects; two in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and two in Aibonito, Puerto Rico.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney, District of Puerto Rico, Olga B. Castellón. 

Viera-Morales is also one of Puerto Rico’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Viera-Morales is wanted for the murder of Wallis Rivera-Rodriguez, the Executive Secretary of the Puerto Rico Authentic Independent Union (UIA) in March 2007. Viera-Morales is the alleged shooter and has been charged by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firearms violations.     

FBI-Newark is also assisting in the coordination of this fugitive’s federal court initial appearance and removal to the District of Puerto Rico. Viera-Morales is scheduled to have his initial appearance in Federal court in the District of New Jersey on Monday, September 14, 2009.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of any guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.