Request for Public Assistance in Locating Fugitive Juan Felipe Castañeda-Arrachea

SAN JUAN—On June 6, 2012, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the FBI-Miami Field Office, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division announced the arrests of four individuals for kidnapping resulting in a death. A fifth defendant, Juan Felipe Castañeda-Arrachea from Miami, Florida remains at large. If convicted, the defendants face a possible maximum statutory penalty of up to death.

The criminal complaint alleges that the defendants operated an extensive network of hydroponic marijuana grow houses throughout South Florida. In 2009, a large quantity of marijuana belonging to the organization was stolen and members of the organization set out to find the people responsible for the theft. On June 28, 2009, Derrick Santiesteban, Gilberto Santiesteban, Jr., Yadira Santiesteban, Norge Manduley, and Juan Felipe Castañeda-Arrrachea kidnapped the individual whom they believed was responsible for the theft of the marijuana. During the abduction, the individual was shot and killed.

It is believed Juan Felipe Castañeda-Arrachea has fled the jurisdiction of Miami, Florida and may now be residing in Puerto Rico.

Juan Felipe Castañeda-Arrachea is described as follows:

Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 42
Ethnic background: Hispanic (Cuban)
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 6’0” tall
Weight: 180 pounds
Last known address: 17231 SW 153rd Place in Miami, Florida
Distinguishing mark: Gold Tooth

Anyone with information regarding this fugitive may contact the FBI-San Juan Field Office, 24 hours a day, at (787) 754-6000. All information will remain confidential.

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

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.