Edgardo Bermudez-Ortiz and Pedro Colon-Lozada Arrested for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Firearms Offenses, and Aiding and Abetting a Federal Crime

SAN JUAN—On May 25, 2013, Edgardo Bermudez-Ortiz and Pedro Colon-Lozada were taken into custody by the FBI. The prompt investigation and arrest are the result of a joint effort between the United States Attorney’s Office Firearms Initiative and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Edgardo Bermudez-Ortiz and Pedro Colon-Lozada were charged with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, firearms offenses, and aiding/abetting a federal crime.

A federal complaint states that on May 23, 2013, Edgardo Bermudez-Ortiz and Pedro Colon-Lozada were patronizing the El Presidente Night Club, Ponce De Leon Avenue, Building 1107, Santurce, Puerto Rico. The two were present when a shooting occurred just before 4:00 a.m. inside the establishment that resulted in the death of one victim and injury of another.

Moments after the shooting, off-duty Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) officers were driving through the adjacent area. The officers heard gunshots emanating from the area of El Presidente Night Club; they were driving along Ponce De Leon Avenue and brought their vehicle to a stop near the club’s entrance. The officers observed two men, later identified as Edgardo Bermudez-Ortiz and Pedro Colon-Lozada, acting in a suspicious manner. Bermudez-Ortiz and Colon-Lozada were observed by the officers walking briskly toward a white Jeep Compass parked adjacent to the club along Ponce De Leon Avenue.

One of the officers observed Bermudez-Ortiz open a door of the Jeep Compass, produce a black pistol from his person, and throw the pistol into the back seat compartment of the vehicle. Colon-Lozada was observed attempting to enter the Jeep Compass in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The officers detained both Bermudez-Ortiz and Colon-Lozada until additional law enforcement arrived to assist in securing the crime scene.

After a search incident to the arrest, the following items were found within the Jeep Compass:

• One Glock pistol containing a large capacity magazine loaded with 13 rounds of .40 caliber pistol ammunition
• Three separate bricks of a white substance consistent with the appearance of one kilogram of powdered cocaine (each brick) wrapped in transparent plastic.
• U.S. currency in the amount of approximately 13,272.

If convicted, the defendants face up to a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Max Perez and is being investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office Firearms Initiative and the FBI.

The public is reminded that 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.