Juan Ríos Ortiz Found Guilty of Providing Contraband to the Federal Prison Defendant is Facing up to 20 Years in Prison and $1,000,000 in Fines

SAN JUAN, PR—Yesterday evening, November 17, defendant Juan Ríos Ortiz was convicted of three counts: conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and providing contraband to an inmate of a federal prison, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Ríos Ortiz, worked for a company that had a contract to supply produce to the federal prison's kitchen.

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. He was arrested on May 4 by FBI agents.

“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. “We wish to congratulate AUSA Justin Martin and his legal assistant Nildamari Fraguada for the successful prosecution of this individual.”

“I say to those individuals who may be thinking about smuggling drugs or any other contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), don’t do it because you will suffer the consequences,” said Luis Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Juan Field Office, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin R. Martin. The sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2011, before Judge Daniel R. Domínguez.