Federal Fugitive Xavier Jimenez Bencevi Arrested
One of Puerto Rico’s Ten Most Wanted

SAN JUAN—On March 12, 2012, the Police of Puerto Rico, U.S. Marshals Service Deputies, and FBI agents arrested, without incident, XAVIER JIMENEZ BENCEVI, also known as “Xavi,” in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

JIMENEZ BENCEVI, age 27, is one of Puerto Rico’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and is wanted on state charges for the attempted murder of three Police of Puerto Rico officers and on charges of violating the Puerto Rico weapons law.

JIMENEZ BENCEVI is also wanted on federal charges for the alleged murder of a federal witness on June 21, 2010. If convicted, JIMENEZ BENCEVI faces a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera-Miranda.

JIMENEZ BENCEVI had been a fugitive since 2007.

It should be noted that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also assisted in the fugitive investigation of JIMENEZ BENCEVI.

“The arrest of XAVIER JIMENEZ BENCEVI demonstrates that no matter how many connections or resources a fugitive may have to escape prosecution, it is only a matter of time before he is found and brought to justice. This was an excellent example of law enforcement cooperation,” said Orlando Rivera, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico.

“This arrest demonstrates the commitment of the FBI to protect the citizens of Puerto Rico through the apprehension of dangerous criminals such as XAVIER JIMENEZ BENCEVI. The allegations are that JIMENEZ BENCEVI is responsible for additional murders and criminal acts here in Puerto Rico. It is anticipated the capture of JIMENEZ BENCEVI will lead to the successful resolution of these criminal violations,” said Joseph Campbell, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.