Juan Ríos Ortiz Indicted and Arrested for Providing Contraband to the Federal Prison Defendant Could Face up to 20 Years in Prison and $1,000,000 in Fines

SAN JUAN, PR—On April 30, 2010, a grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Juan Ríos Ortiz, an individual who worked for a company that had a contract to supply produce to the federal prison's kitchen, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and providing contraband to prison, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

From on or about December, 2009, and continuing to on or about February 2, 2010, the defendant conspired with other persons to distribute cocaine, heroin, marijuana, Percocet, and Xanax to an inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Guaynabo, PR. The defendant, aiding and abetting other persons, also attempted to provide cellular telephones, chargers, and SIM cards to an inmate of MDC.

“Federal law enforcement authorities are keeping a watchful eye over those who try to smuggle prohibited artifacts and drugs into prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.“ This is a very serious crime, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to prevent this contraband from entering the federal detention center.”

"The smuggling of contraband into prison facilities is nothing new to law enforcement. However, cellular telephones are becoming the newest form of coveted contraband which allow inmates to communicate freely with the outside world, as well as conduct illicit activity from behind bars," said Luis Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office. "It would be nice to think prisoners who are using these cell phones simply want to talk to their families, but I doubt it. Everyone must remain vigilant."

Penalties for the offenses alleged in the indictment range up to twenty (20) years of imprisonment and fines of up to one million dollars ($1,000,000).

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Juan Field Office, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin R. Martin.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.