SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office, announced the arrest of FRANCIS RYAN ROMANO MARIA.

On October 27, 2018, a federal criminal complaint charged FRANCIS RYAN ROMANO MARIA, age 30, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with false personation of a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.

From approximately September 01 to October 27, 2018, ROMANO MARIA identified himself as an FBI agent and offered a business his protective services for a fee. The business paid ROMANO MARIA approximately $2,000.00 for his services.

The FBI San Juan office wants to inform the public that ROMANO MARIA is not an employee of the FBI nor has he ever been associated with the FBI. If anyone or business has employed ROMANO MARIA for his services as an FBI agent or employee, please call the FBI San Juan office at 787-754 -6000.

If convicted ROMANO MARIA faces a potential penalty of up to three years of imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Myriam Y. Fernandez-Gonzalez and investigated by the FBI.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints and indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.