Subject Arrested in Connection with Carjacking

SAN JUAN—Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) San Juan Division announced the arrest of a subject involved in carjacking. On September 28, 2013, the FBI and the Police of Puerto Rico (POPR) arrested an individual for carjacking. This carjacking is related to the murder of Veridiana Lopez-Lopez, who was reported missing on September 18, 2013, in Lares, Puerto Rico. Her body was later found at Buenos Aires Ward, Lares, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2013.

No further information can be provided at this time since the complaint in this case is sealed until subject’s initial appearance. The initial appearance will be held on Monday, September 30, 2013.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment for taking a vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation (carjacking).

This case is being investigated by the FBI Aguadilla’s Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney’s Office, POPR Utuado’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.

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.