Mother and Son Pled Guilty of Introducing Controlled Substances Into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, PR—Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) inmate Elvin Santos-Meléndez and his mother Leticia Meléndez-Sánchez pled guilty to introducing controlled substances into MDC in Guaynabo, PR, before United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

On February 6, 2011, the defendants, aiding and abetting each other, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute Oxycodone, (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam, (commonly known as Xanax). Elvin Santos-Meléndez pled to counts one and two, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and counts three and four, possessing contraband in prison. Meléndez-Sánchez pled to count one, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; count five, providing contraband to inmate of a prison; and count seven, false statements.

“These convictions should send a clear message to those who attempt to smuggle illegal contraband into a federal facility,” said USA Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. We will not tolerate this type of activity and will prosecute these offenders to the full extent of the law.”

This case was investigated by the Special Investigative Services from MDC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marcela Mateo.

The defendants could face a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. The sentence is scheduled for September 15, 2011.