Two Individuals Indicted for Murder, Woman Indicted for Obstruction of Justice

SAN JUAN—A federal grand jury indicted Joel Manuel Rivera-Clemente and Josean Clemente for the murder of security guard Frankie Rondón-Rosario, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Today, a superseding indictment was unsealed after the arrest of Clemente and his girlfriend Yahaira Martínez-Rodríguez, who was indicted for lying to FBI agents and to the grand jury during the investigation. These arrests are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), and the Toa Baja Municipal Police. The defendants are charged in a six-count superseding indictment with murder, interference of commerce by robbery, and possession and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to the superseding indictment, on or about October 19, 2011, Joel Manuel Rivera-Clemente and Josean Clemente, aiding and abetting each other and other individuals, with malice aforethought, unlawfully killed Frankie Rondón-Rosario in the perpetration of and attempt to commit robbery at the United States Naval Security Group Activity in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico. The victim was working as a security guard for Securitas Security Services at the Navy Base.

“This case is an example of effective cooperation and teamwork between state and Federal agencies, said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Senseless acts of violence which threaten the safety of our citizens will not be tolerated.”

“The murder of the private company security guard at the former Naval Base in Sabana Seca on October 19, 2011, was a ruthless and senseless murder,” said Joseph Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office. “The individuals responsible for this murder will not go unpunished.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney José Contreras from the Violent Crimes Unit. Rivera-Clemente and Clemente are charged with a capital eligible offense. Yahaira Martínez-Rodríguez is facing up to 20 years in prison. Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.