Press Releases

Mayor of Río Grande Indicted on Charges of Bribery, Extortion, and Obstruction of Justice

WASHINGTON lez, U. S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The indictment authorized by a federal grand jury this week charges Rivera-Correa with one count of bribery, one count of attempted extortion and two counts of obstruction of justice.

St. John Man Arrested and Charged with Bank Fraud

ST. THOMAS Davidson L. Alfred, 51, of St. John, was arrested today and charged with bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Ronald W.

U.S. Attorney Appoints Contact to Handle Election Complaints

ST. CROIX, US United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr.

Former Mayor of Río Grande, Puerto Rico Pleads Guilty to Soliciting and Accepting Bribes from Contractor

WASHINGTON o Grande. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department s Criminal Division, U. S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodr s San Juan Division made the announcement.

FBI, in Partnership with DHS, to Host Comprehensive Incident Threat Response Exercise

The San Juan Field Office of the FBI will host a training exercise to simulate a complex terrorist attack in a public venue.

Angelo Hill Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Angelo Hill, 51, a former Virgin Islands Police Department sergeant, to 21 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Twenty-Nine Golden Grove Inmates Indicted for Possessing Illegal Contraband

ST. CROIX, USVI A federal grand jury in St. Croix has indicted 29 inmates at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional and Detention Facility for possessing illegal contraband, announced Ronald W.

Puerto Rico Police Officers and Civilians Charged with Federal Crimes in Connection with July 2012 Robbery in Bayamon

WASHINGTONThree Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) officers and two civilians were charged with robbery, firearms violations, drug conspiracy and civil rights violations for their involvement in a July 2012 robbery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and an additional POPR officer was charged with lying to federal agents.

Three Defendants Plead Guilty in the Lawman Gun Shop Case

SAN JUAN, PR Asociados, Inc. , d/b/a The Lawman Gun Shop pled guilty today announced Rosa Emilia Rodr lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Six Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Plead Guilty to Federal Civil Rights, Obstruction of Justice, and Perjury Charges

WASHINGTONThree Puerto Rico police officers, Erick Rivera Nazario, Angel Torres Quinones and Antonio Rodriguez Caraballo today pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges in connection with the fatal beating of 19-year-old Jose Luis Irizarry Perez, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Molly Moran for the Civil Rights Division, United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez for the District of Puerto Rico, and Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI San Juan Field Office.

Individual Indicted for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Aggravated Identity Theft

SAN JUAN, PROn April 24, a federal grand jury returned a 18-count indictment charging Miguel A.

Sixteen Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Plead Guilty to Running Criminal Organization from the Police Department

WASHINGTONSixteen former Puerto Rico police officers have pleaded guilty for their roles in a criminal organization run out of the police department.

Thirty-Four Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of Aguadilla

SAN JUANlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Roberto Tapia Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Roberto Tapia, 55, to 70 months in prison for using the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) as a criminal enterprise to engage in illegal drug trafficking activities, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Twenty Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Defrauding the Department of Education

SAN JUAN, P. R. lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Department of Education-Office of Inspector General, the FBI and ICE-HSI are in charge of the investigation.

FBI Warns the Public About Ransomware Internet Scam

Details about an Internet scam known as ransomware and how to protect your computer.

Man Sentenced to 365 Months in Prison for Carjacking That Resulted in Murder in October of 2010

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico lez. Ubiles-Rosario pleaded guilty on January 13, 2015 before U. S. Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin.

Puerto Rico Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charge

St. Thomas, USVI On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, Jose Luis Ponce-Pagan, 36, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in federal c ourt on St.

Former Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Bulk Cash Smuggling and Theft of Government Property While Serving in Afghanistan

A Fort Buchanan Army Reserve Staff Sergeant was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for bulk cash smuggling of $113,050 and theft of government property worth $6,302.

Four Bureau of Corrections Officers Arrested on Charges of Providing Prison Contraband

St. Croix, USVI Waheeda Ali, 32, Abdul Robinson, 38, Patrick Richards, 41, Eustace Roper, 51, were arrested yesterday pursuant to criminal complaints filed against them on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, United States Attorney Ronald W.

St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Transmission of Threat to Injure Witness

St. Croix, USVI Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced on February 25, 2016, Kamoui Francis, 25, to 27 months in federal prison for transmission of threat to injure, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Eight Individuals Arrested for Bribery, Conspiracy, Health Care Fraud, and Mail Fraud

SAN JUAN, P. R. lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was led by the U.

Ten-Year Sentence for Doctor Who Defrauded AFLAC

SAN JUAN, P. R. On Monday, March 21, 2016, the Hon. Gustavo Gelp bal Pagan-Romero, a general practitioner with a clinic in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, to a term of imprisonment of 120 months and a term of supervised release of five (5) years in the criminal case for mail fraud prosecuted against Pagan-Romero in federal court.

Two Individuals Indicted for Mail Fraud

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico ) and Jonathan A.

Individual Sentenced for His Participation in Extortion Scheme

SAN JUAN, P. R. On March 1, 2016, defendant Diomedes Joshua Alcantara-Troche was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jay A.

Forty Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in the Municipality of Ponce

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Related Charges

St. Croix, USVI On Thursday, January 14, 2016, Daniel Ramos, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court on St.

St. Croix Man Sentenced for Robbery and Related Offenses

St. Croix, USVI Senior District Court Judge Raymond Finch on February 19, 2016, sentenced Edigberto Diaz, 46, to 7 years in federal prison for Using and Carrying a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and 21 months for Interference with Commerce by Robbery, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Adam Chartier Arrested in Connection with Recent Series of Bomb Threats

SAN JUAN, PRSpecial Agent in Charge Douglas Leff, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division, announced the arrest of ADAM CHARTIER for using a telephone, and other instrument of interstate commerce, willfully to make a threat and maliciously to convey false information knowing the same to be false, concerning an attempt and alleged attempt being made to kill, injure, and intimidate any individual and unlawfully to damage and destroy any building by means of an explosive.

Former Puerto Rico Officer and Civilian Plead Guilty in July 2012 Robbery in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTONA former Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) sergeant and a civilian have pleaded guilty for their involvement in a July 2012 robbery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and an additional POPR officer has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R.

FBI Presses Charges Against Jose Baez Martinez and Benny I. Espada Santini for Actual or Attempted Robbery Affecting Interstate or Foreign Commerce and Weapons Violation

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of Jose Baez Martinez and Benny I.

Walter Hill, Jr. Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Walter Hill, Jr. , 46, of St. John, VI, on October 23, 2014, to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, a $300 special monetary assessment, 300 hours of community service, and ordered forfeiture of property constituting the proceeds of the crime, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Seventeen-Count Indictment Filed in Illegal Concealed Carry Weapons Permits Case

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Civilian Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Corrupt Police Officers in July 2012 Robbery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico

WASHINGTONA Puerto Rican man has pleaded guilty to conspiring with corrupt police officers to commit a July 2012 robbery of a home in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R.

FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance in Locating Fugitive Jan Rivera-Ledoux

Updated December 2, 2014: </ Jan Rivera-Ledoux was apprehended on December 1, 2014.

St. Thomas Man Convicted of Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearm Offenses

ST. THOMAS After a three-day trial in District Court on St. Thomas, a federal jury on Wednesday convicted Richard Antonio Hodge, Jr.

Arrest of Luis Ramon Casellas, Army Reserve Staff Sergeant, Indicted for Bulk Cash Smuggling, Smuggling of Stolen Military Equipment, and Wrongfully Obtaining Overseas Housing Allowance Payments

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division, announced the arrest of Luis Ramon Casellas conducted on December 4, 2014.

Eddie Lopez-Lopez Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

ST. THOMAS, USVI District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Eddie Lopez-Lopez, 36, to 33 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Private Security Guard Sentenced for Providing Armed Security for Drug Transaction

WASHINGTONA former private security guard was sentenced in the District of Puerto Rico today for his role in providing armed security for a drug transaction.

Arrest of Fugitive Jan Rivera-Ledoux, Involved in the Death of San Juan Municipal Police Officer Edwin Roman-Acevedo

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of Jan Rivera-Ledoux.

Arrest of Rhayen Crespo-Garcia for Possession of Child Pornography

SAN JUANSpecial Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of RHAYEN CRESPO-GARCIA.

Hector Alcenio Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Hector Alcenio, 43, to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Arrest of Juan Pablo Marrero-Diaz for Possession of Approximately 61 Pounds of Marijuana, Weapons, and $113,068

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of Juan Pablo Marrero-Diaz.

Sixteen Current and Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Indicted for Allegedly Running Criminal Organization out of Police Department

WASHINGTONSixteen current and former Puerto Rico police officers have been indicted for their alleged participation in a criminal organization, run out of the police department, that used their affiliation with law enforcement to make money through robbery, extortion, manipulating court records, and selling illegal narcotics.

Puerto Rico Resident Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS, USVI District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Stephen Torres of Puerto Rico to 33 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W.

St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Jace Antonio Edwards, 41, to 120 months in prison for attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W.

FBI Presses Charges Against Samuel Lassalle-Gonzalez, Who Shot Police of Puerto Rico Officer Elias M. Abrams-Rodriguez

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced that the FBI pressed charges against Samuel Lassalle-Gonzalez, who shot Police of Puerto Rico Officer Elias M.

Three St. Croix Men Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Firearms Offense and Third-Degree Robbery

ST. CROIX On Monday August 18, 2014, Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced defendants Francisco Hassell III, 29, Edwin Hendrickson, Jr.

41 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of San Juan

SAN JUAN, PR U. S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodr lez announced the indictment and arrest of 41 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances.

Four Members of an Organization That Committed 14 Armed Robberies in Puerto Rico Indicted Under the RICO Act

SAN JUAN, PR lez, U. S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.

St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 151 Months for Conspiracy to Possess and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Isa Noel, 25, to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, to be followed by five years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Ronald W.

Arrest of Carlos Alberto Rosado-Rosado

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of CARLOS ALBERTO ROSADO-ROSADO.

Arrest of Jorge Rivera-Garcia for Actual or Attempted Robbery Affecting Interstate or Foreign Commerce and Weapons Violation

SAN JUAN, PRSpecial Agent in Charge, Carlos Cases, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Division, and Police of Puerto Superintendent Jose L.

Arrests of Carlos Enrique Lopez-Soto and Roberto Garcia-Santiago

SAN JUANs (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrests of Carlos Enrique Lopez-Soto and Roberto Garcia Santiago.

Raymond Brown Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Federal Drug Crime

ST. THOMAS, USVI District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Raymond Brown to 48 months in prison for use of a communication facility to facilitate a federal drug crime, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Twelve Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Sentenced to Prison for Running Criminal Organization Out of Police Department

WASHINGTONTwelve former Puerto Rico police officers have been sentenced for using their law enforcement affiliation and equipment to commit robbery and extortion, and to sell illegal narcotics and manipulate court records.

Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Charged with Bribery and Extortion in Award of Government Contracts

WASHINGTONThe former executive director of the legislature of the Virgin Islands was indicted today by a federal grand jury in the Virgin Islands for accepting bribes and engaging in extortion in the award of contracts with the legislature, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General David A.

Attorney Charged with Concealing a Fugitive from Arrest

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Angel Negron-Beltran Sentenced to 38 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS, USVI District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Angel Negron-Beltran to 38 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Puerto Rico Businessman Pleads Guilty to Bribing a Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge

WASHINGTONs vehicular homicide trial and acquitted him of all charges.

Three St. Thomas Men Sentenced to Prison in Airport Drug Conspiracy

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Leayle Morton Benjamin, Jr. ; Aben A. Marrero, Jr. ; and Michael Samuels, each to 121 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Arrests of Elliot Llorens-Martinez and Jose Yambo-Arroyo

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division, announced the arrest of Elliot Llorens-Martinez and Jose Yambo-Arroyo.

Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge and Local Businessman Indicted on Conspiracy and Federal Programs Bribery Charges

WASHINGTONA current Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge and Puerto Rico businessman were charged with orchestrating a criminal scheme in which the businessman paid bribes to the judge presiding over the criminal case against the businessman, according to an indictment unsealed today.

Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Convicted of Bribery and Extortion

WASHINGTONAfter a three-day trial, a federal jury found the former executive director of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands guilty of accepting bribes and extortion in the awarding of contracts with the Legislature.

Three Separate Individuals Arrested for a Total of Six Carjackings

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Two Individuals Indicted for Bank and Wire Fraud

SAN JUAN, PR F. Gonz lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in charge of the investigation.

Former Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Legislature Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bribery and Extortion

The former Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Legislature was sentenced to five years in prison today, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R.

Forty Individuals Arrested and Indicted for Social Security Fraud

WASHINGTON On Jan. 12 and 13, 2015, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned 39 separate indictments charging one doctor, Luis Escabi-P rez, and 39 other individuals for fraud in the application process for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability insurance benefits in Puerto Rico, announced U.

Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes in Connection with Vehicular Homicide Trial

A Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge was sentenced today to 10 years in prison today after being convicted earlier this year of accepting bribes to acquit a businessman of vehicular homicide charges.

Tutoring Services Corporation and 31 Individuals Indicted and Arrested for Defrauding the Department of Education

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

FBI Presses Charges Against Luis Tirado-Ortega for Hobbs Act-Robbery and Use of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Division, announced the arrest of Luis Tirado-Ortega.

Man Arrested, Charged with Illegal Possession of Body Armor

ST. THOMAS, US Fabian Towers, 50, made his initial appearance in District Court today before U. S. Magistrate Ruth Miller after his arrest for Illegal Possession of Body Armor, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Man Sentenced to 560 Months in Prison for Robbery and Murder of Two Department of Natural Resources Rangers in March 2010

SAN JUAN, PR lez. Ortiz-Torres pled guilty on May 27, 2014. On February 9, 2011, Jonathan Ortiz-Torres was charged, along with and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j), 924(a)(2), and 2 (possession of a stolen firearm).

FBI Presses Charges Against Jose Villafane-Cotto for Making Death Threats Against United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced that the FBI has pressed charges against Jose Villafane-Cotto.

Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Bulk Cash Smuggling and Theft of Government Property While Serving in Afghanistan

WASHINGTONA Fort Buchanan Army Reserve Staff Sergeant pleaded guilty today to bulk cash smuggling of $113,050 and theft of government property worth $6,302 while serving in Afghanistan.

Individual Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering

SAN JUAN, PROn May 13, 2015, defendant Miguel A.

Federal Authorities Arrest Four Individuals for Possession of Child Pornography

SAN JUAN, PR lez. The first indictment alleges that, in or about the month of November 2013, William Camacho-R os, from San Juan, did knowingly possess materials which contained an image of child pornography, as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(8)(A).

Ten Individuals Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Federal Programs Bribery, Honest Services Wire Fraud, and Extortion

WASHINGTONTen Puerto Rico businessmen and government officials have been indicted for their alleged participation in several schemes to corruptly give things of value to public officials within the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in exchange for favorable treatment and awarding of government contracts to various corporations.

Twenty-Two Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of Peñuelas

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Two Former Police Officers Sentenced for July 2012 Robbery in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTONA former sergeant from the Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) was sentenced today to serve 101 months in prison for his involvement in a July 2012 home invasion robbery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Woman of Robbery Charges

ST. CROIX After a five-day jury trial, a federal jury on March 6, 2015 convicted St. Croix resident Ketisha Isles, 23,of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery and Interference with Commerce by Robbery, announced United States Attorney Ronald W.

Two Individuals Indicted and Arrested for False Statements in Loan Applications

SAN JUAN, PRTwo individuals have been charged in a one-count indictment unsealed today and returned by a grand jury in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 22, 2015, said U.

Nine Individuals Indicted for the Murder of an Officer and Employee of the United States

WASHINGTON On Jan. 28, 2015, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a six-count indictment charging nine individuals for the murder of Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati-Casanas, a correctional officer of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.

Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Sentenced for Civil Rights and Obstruction of Justice Violations Related to Fatal Beating

WASHINGTONFormer Puerto Rico Police Officers Jimmy Rodriguez Vega and David Colon Martinez were sentenced today for civil rights and obstruction of justice violations related to the fatal beating of Jose Luis Irizarry Perez, 19, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division, U.

Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced for Obstructing Civil Rights Investigation

Former Police of Puerto Rico Officer Angel Torres Quinones was sentenced today to serve 46 months in prison for obstructing the civil rights investigation into the fatal beating of Jose Luis Irizarry Perez, 19, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta for the Civil Rights Division, U.

Four Arrested on St. Croix for Drug-Related Offenses

ST. CROIX, USVI Four defendants made their initial appearance today in District Court on St. Croix before U. S. Magistrate Judge George W.

Former Doral Employee and Contractor Indicted for Bank Fraud

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Transmission of Threat to Injure

Kamoui Francis, 25, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St.

Defendant Sentenced in the Lawman Gun Shop Case

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

St. Croix Man Sentenced for Carjacking-Related Offense

ST. CROIX, USVI Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on June 1, 2015 sentenced Abdallah Abdallah, 24, to 84 months in prison for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Ronald W.

Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced for Committing Perjury During Civil Rights Investigation

WASHINGTON supervised release for making a false statement under oath to the federal grand jury investigating civil rights violations stemming from the fatal beating of Jose Luis Irizarry Perez, 19, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division, U.

Man Pleads Guilty to Using Firearm During Carjacking at St. Croix Educational Complex

ST. CROIX, US James Cruz, 20, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to Using a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge Convicted of Conspiracy and Bribery Charges in Connection with Vehicular Homicide Trial

WASHINGTONA current Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Puerto Rico of accepting bribes to acquit a businessman of vehicular homicide charges.

Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced for Making False Statements to FBI During Civil Rights Investigation

WASHINGTONFormer Puerto Rico Police Officer Miguel Negron Vazquez was sentenced today to serve 12 months and one day in prison for making a false statement to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during a federal investigation into civil rights violations related to the fatal beating of Jose Luis Irizarry Perez, 19, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division, U.

Man Arrested on Charges of Wire Fraud, Blackmail, Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, and Extortion

ST. CROIX, USVI Miguel A. Esperanza-Vazquez, 59, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment on Tuesday charging him with two counts of wire fraud, one count of blackmail, one count of obtaining money under false pretenses, and one count of extortion, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Ten Puerto Rico Police Officers Indicted for Allegedly Running Criminal Organization Out of Police Department

WASHINGTONTen Puerto Rico police officers have been indicted for their alleged participation in a criminal organization, run out of the police department, that used their affiliation with law enforcement to make money through robbery, extortion, manipulating court records and selling illegal narcotics, announced U.

Valentin Valdés-Ayala Guilty of Bankruptcy Fraud

Yesterday evening after eight days of jury trial, Valents-Ayala was found guilty of 31 counts of bankruptcy fraud, falsification of bankruptcy records, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and contempt of court, announced U.

Alleged Rapist Under Federal Custody

SAN JUAN, PR lez. FBI is in charge of the investigation. According to the information contained in the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint, on July 21, 2015, Cruz-Rivera was detained by the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) pursuant to an ongoing investigation concerning several incidents of rape, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery that occurred during the months of May through July of 2015.

Four Former Puerto Rico Police Officers Sentenced for Running Criminal Organization Out of Police Department

WASHINGTONFour additional former Puerto Rico police officers have been sentenced for using their law enforcement affiliation and equipment to commit robbery and extortion, and to sell illegal narcotics and manipulate court records.

Thirteen Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in the Municipalities of Aguadilla and Quebradillas

SAN JUANlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

St. Croix Man Arraigned on Charges of Murder-for-Hire

ST. CROIX Delroy A. Thomas, 25, was arraigned today in District Court on St. Croix after being charged in a three-count information with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire and related offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Man Arrested on Charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

ST. THOMAS Edridge Clyne, 45, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against him Thursday charging him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Jose Padilla-Galarza, Accused of Bank Robbery and Weapons Violation, Turns Himself In

Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of Jose Padilla-Galarza.

Judge Sentences Two for Pretending to be FBI Agents

ST. THOMAS District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Yamini Potter, 29, of St. Thomas and Alana Liburd, 34, of St.

Former Mayor of Río Grande, Puerto Rico Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison for Bribery

WASHINGTONo Grande, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today to 64 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $39,000 for soliciting and receiving cash bribes from a contractor who sought construction inspection contracts with the municipality.

Former Puerto Rico Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violations Related to Fatal Beating

Former Puerto Rico Police Sergeant Erick Rivera Nazario was sentenced today to serve 96 months in prison followed by three years supervised release for violating the civil rights of Jose Luis Irizarry Perez, 19, by striking him with a police baton during a fatal police-involved beating, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division, U.

Edwin Monsanto Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

ST. THOMAS, US District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Edwin Monsanto, 54, of St. Thomas, to 33 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Twenty-Two Individuals Charged in Superseding Indictment for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of Caguas

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Five School Bus Owners Indicted for Bid-Rigging and Fraud Conspiracies at Puerto Rico Public School Bus Auction

WASHINGTONs Caguas municipality, the Department of Justice announced today.

St. John Man Sentenced to 17 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud

ST. THOMAS, US District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Davidson L. Alfred, 54, of St. John, to 17 months in prison and two years of supervised release for bank fraud, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Criminal Defense Attorney Ramón Negrón-Colón Sentenced to 71 Months in Prison for Money Laundering

SAN JUAN, PR n M. Negr lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On April 4, 2014, the defendant pled guilty before United States District Court Senior Judge Juan P nez.

Owners of the Lawman Gun Shop Sentenced

SAN JUAN, PRlez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Man Pleads Guilty to Charges in Two Separate Cases

ST. CROIX Jahseen Simmonds, 23, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to criminal charges filed in two separate cases, United States Attorney Ronald W.

Former Director of Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority and Others Charged with Conspiracy and Bribery

Three Virgin Islands men were charged in an indictment unsealed today with various offenses based on their participation in a bribery scheme involving over $17 million in construction contracts awarded by the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority (VIPFA).

Doral Bank Executive Assistant Indicted and Arrested on Several Perjury and Obstruction of Justice Charges

SAN JUAN, PRlez-Arroyo, Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors of Doral Bank was indicted on November 18, 2015, for obstruction of justice and knowingly making false statements while under oath and testifying before a federal grand jury, announced U.

Douglas A. Leff Named Special Agent in Charge of San Juan Division

FBI Director James B. Comey has named Douglas A. Leff as the special agent in charge of the San Juan Division.

Individual Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for His Participation in a Drug Trafficking Organization That Operated at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport

SAN JUAN Today, Carlos I. Arce-L lez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On April 23, 2015, the defendant pled guilty to three counts from two separate indictments, charging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Three Men Arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

St. Thomas, USVI- Miguel Rodriguez, 60, of St. Thomas, Estanislao de Jesus, 47, and Tomas Miguel Liriano Castillo, 44, both of the Dominican Republic, were arrested Monday on a criminal complaint charging them with one count each of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Ronald W.

50 Members of La Asociación Ñeta Prison Gang Indicted for Violating the RICO Act in Puerto Rico

A federal indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging 50 members of La AsociaciETA with racketeering, drug trafficking and murder, announced U.

Individual Found Guilty by a Jury of Four Carjackings and Murder

Carmelo Velázquez-Aponte was found guilty of four carjackings, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (carjacking), and possession of a stolen firearm.

Couple Arrested for Carjacking

SAN JUAN, P. R. lez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation. The indictment alleges that on or about June 2, 2016, in the District of Puerto Rico, Bernard D rez and Jessenia Salgado-Ortiz, aiding and abetting each other, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, did take a motor vehicle, to wit: a red 2008 Scion, model XD, that had been transported, shipped or received in interstate or foreign commerce, from the presence of F.