SAN JUAN, PR – A federal grand jury has indicted 104 individuals as a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) Bayamón Strike Force, the United States Marshals Service, and the San Juan Municipal Police, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendants are charged in a nine-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, use of firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence, including, murder, drive-by shooting, and other related offenses.

The indictment alleges that beginning in the year 2010, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” heroin, cocaine, and marihuana within 1,000 feet of a real property comprising housing facilities owned by a public housing authority in the municipalities of Bayamón, Toa Baja, Cataño, Naranjito, Comerío, and Corozal. The public housing facilities are: Virgilio Dávila, Rafael Falín Torrench, Brisas de Bayamón, Jardines de Caparra, Las Gardenias, La Alambra, José Celso Barbosa, Los Jeannie, Alegría Norte, Jardines de Cataño, Sierra Linda, Los Laureles and Los Dominicos; and Villa Olga, Río Plantation and El Polvorín Wards.

According to the indictment, in the year 2010, this drug trafficking organization gained control of most of the housing projects and wards within Bayamón and the areas nearby, after federal authorities incarcerated most of the leaders from nearly all the drug gangs in the area. This new gang identified themselves as Los Menores or the “new blood.” The goal of Los Menores was to take over and maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities in Bayamón and other areas, by force, violence, and intimidation.

As part of the manner and means of the conspiracy, the defendants and co-conspirators were instructed to shoot and kill suspected rival drug trafficking members. All firearms used during the commission of these violent acts would be returned to the leader of the organization for their disposal. Co-conspirators would also pay bribes to law enforcement officers in exchange for information on informants or cooperators, and on law enforcement initiatives to disrupt the drug points.

The 104 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: 22 leaders/drug point owners/drug point administrators; nine (9) enforcers; 13 suppliers; 13 runners, 42 sellers, and five (5) drug processors. Forty-one (41) of the defendants are facing one charge of using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of 55 million dollars.

The indictment includes allegations of six (6) murders, including one drive-by shooting, committed by members of this organization. These murders are as follows:

• On or about December 19, 2012, defendants [1] Sadid Medina-Rivera, a.k.a. “El Loco;” [3] Yamil Vázquez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Yamo;” [12] Giovanni Ortiz-Soto, a.k.a. “Pinocho”; [13] Richard A. Franco-Pérez, a.k.a. “El Cagón”; [23] George M. Franco Pérez, a.k.a. “La Flaca”; and [29] Ángel Cruz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Bebo/Brigante,” shot and killed Jomar J. Marrero-Pérez.

• On or about May 22, 2013, defendants [3] Yamil Vázquez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Yamo;” [12] Giovanni Ortiz-Soto, a.k.a. “Pinocho”; and [23] George M. Franco Pérez, a.k.a. “La Flaca,” fired a weapon into a group of two or more persons (drive-by shooting) and killed Carlos J. Duplessis, a.k.a. “Sombrita,” and Luis R. Rodríguez-Pérez.

• On or about March 2, 2015, defendants [8] Luis G. Ayala-García, a.k.a. “Pájaro/Gaby El Quemao”, and [46] Abimael Narváez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Apu,” shot and killed Nelson R. Troche-Rivera, a.k.a. “Negro.”

• On or about February 10, 2016, defendants [14] Wilfredo Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a. “Piky”; [24] Nelson Rivera-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Cuajo”; and [31] Miguel A. Martínez-Candelaria, a.k.a. “Miky,” shot and killed José M. Barbosa-González, a.k.a. “Peca.”

• On or about October 22, 2016, defendants [14] Wilfredo Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a. “Piky”; Nelson González-González, a.k.a. “Gemelo/Ardilla”; and [87] Juan E. Rivera-Serrano, a.k.a. “Casco,” shot and killed Christian L. Calderón-Rojas, a.k.a. “Chris.”

“This violent drug trafficking organization posed a threat to the lives of citizens of Puerto Rico, specifically those communities in Bayamón and nearby municipalities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “These arrests are the result of our strong collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Justice’s continuing efforts to combat violent gangs engaged in drug trafficking.”

Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office said: “Today’s massive operation was made possible through our dedicated partners at the United States Attorney's Office; U.S. Marshals Service; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; Postal Inspection Service; and Puerto Rico National Guard. Over 200 additional FBI personnel were brought in from FBI Headquarters and several other FBI field offices. The FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team conducted several of today’s arrests, supported by a fleet of air and ground specialty vehicles brought down from Quantico. Special appreciation is extended to San Juan Police Commissioner Guillermo Calixto for the outstanding task force officers he selected from his department, one of whom served as the lead investigator on this case; to Guaynabo Police Commissioner Victor Franco Rodríguez for his department’s invaluable assistance; and as always, to the Puerto Rico Police Department for their outstanding detective work and unwavering commitment to making Puerto Rico safer.”

“The boldness of these individuals to use the U.S. Mail for their drug trafficking enterprise and think they could get away with it. As alleged in the indictment, the “Los Menores” gang used the U.S. Mail to further their drug enterprise and launder their proceeds through the use of U.S. Postal Service Money Orders. U.S. Postal Inspectors will never tolerate criminal use of the U.S. Mail; and today’s arrest sends a strong message that we will vigorously pursue these types of crimes against the U.S. Mail and the American public,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Joseph Cronin.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Peter J. Forcelli stated: “These indictments and arrests show how well Federal and state agencies can work together to disrupt and dismantle violent drug gangs to stem the crime plaguing Puerto Rico during these difficult times.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys María L. Montañez-Concepción and Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández under the supervision of Alberto R. López-Rocafort and Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, Deputy Chiefs for Domestic Narcotics Unit and Violent Crimes Unit, respectively.

The defendants are facing a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment. These are:

[1] Sadid Medina-Rivera, a.k.a. “El Loco”; [2] Jorge Molina-Larrion, a.k.a. “Jorge Bush/ El Presidente”; [3] Yamil Vázquez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Yamo”; [4] Felipe Narváez-Colon, a.k.a. “Gavilan/Viejo”; [5] Samuel Arce-Ayala, a.k.a. “Brocoli/Broco/Vegetal”; [6] William J. Díaz-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Billy/Papa/Bola”; [7] Carlos J. Nazario-López, a.k.a. “Carlos Tati”; [8] Luis G. Ayala-García, a.k.a. “Pájaro/Gaby El Quemao”; [9] Joshua Méndez-Romero, a.k.a. “Joshi/El Guabi/Gemelo/El Identico”; [10] José J. Romero-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Galvan/Colorao/Garban”; [11] Jonathan Milan-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Polvo/Pica/Polvorin/El Virao”; [12] Giovanni Ortiz-Soto, a.k.a. “Pinocho”; [13] Richard A. Franco-Pérez, a.k.a. “El Cagon/La A”; [14] Wilfredo Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a.“Piky/Picky”; [15] Roberto Ortiz-Toro, a.k.a. “Tillo”; [16] Jaime L. Martínez-Vargas, a.k.a. “Jimmy/El Cojo/Diri/El Gordo”; [17] Joel J. Ayala-Velázquez, a.k.a. “El Puma”; [18] Omar J. Nieves-Pérez, a.k.a. “Cornlakes”; [19] José R. Jiménez-Echevarría, a.k.a. “Cuba/Rafi”; [20] Phillip García-Osorio; [21] Julio Rojas-Suárez, a.k.a. “Chulin/Chuli”; [22] Carlos M. Colón-Cruz, a.k.a. “Flaqui”; [23] George M. Franco-Pérez, a.k.a. “La Flaca”; [24] Nelson Rivera-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Cuajo”; [25] Ángel L. Pagán-Torres, a.k.a. “Gorito/El Desacatao”; [26] Ernesto Jiménez-Candelario, a.k.a. “Nestor”; [27] David F. Nieves-Dávila, a.k.a. “Davisito”; [28] Héctor E. Martínez-García, a.k.a. “Ricky Tamba/Ricky Tonga”; [29] Ángel R. Cruz-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Bebo/Brigante”; [30] Edgar E. Aristud-Maysonet; [31] Miguel A. Martínez-Candelaria, a.k.a. “Miky”; [32] Juan P. Marrero-Díaz, a.k.a. “El Goldo”; [33] Ángel L. Morales-Hernández, a.k.a. “Ángel/Chinese Checker”; [34] Erick Y. Soto-Pérez; [35] José A. Méndez-Ruiz, a.k.a. “Tío Méndez”; [36] Andrés Medina-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Andy Perla/Ricky Martin”; [37] Joel Rosario-Martínez, a.k.a. “Ceda”; [38] Eliezer Rivera-Reyes, a.k.a. “Gordo Teta”; [39] Bryan M. Camacho-Báez, a.k.a. “La Puerca/La Gorda”; [40] José D. Nieves-Ramos, a.k.a. “Joudi”; [41] Alexie López-Robles, a.k.a. “Alex Chengo”; [42] Carlos López-Orria, a.k.a. “Pelota”; [43] Raúl Viguera-Soto, a.k.a. “Viagra/El Gordo/Raulin”; [44] Félix O. Ortiz-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Chucha”; [45] Andrés D. Reyment-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Andy La Salida”; [46] Abimael Narváez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Apu”; [47] José L. Cintron-Aponte, a.k.a. “Bebo La Maquina”; [48] Janey Fontan-Otero, a.k.a. “Stuart The Little/Stuart”; [49] Edwin A. Pantoja-Eraso, a.k.a. “Bichote”; [50] Frankie Ortiz-Soto; [51] Wilberto Guzmán-Robles, a.k.a. “Macho/Machito”; [52] Juan G. Pérez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Juanito Culon”; [53] Andrés Báez-Ramos, a.k.a. “Cuajo”; [54] Nelson González-González, a.k.a. “Gemelo/Ardilla”; [55] William Reyes-Garrastegui, a.k.a. “Bebo El Goldo”; [56] Rafael A. Ramos-Marín, a.k.a. “El Negro”; [57] Pedro Orraca-Matos, a.k.a. “Peri”; [58] Francisco R. Maysonet-Morales, a.k.a. “Ñame/Gordo”; [59] Ángel O. Pagán-Torres, a.k.a. “Kibu”; [60] Jaime A. Hernández-Santiago, a.k.a. “Mingui/Coco”; [61] Luis E. Erazo De-Jesús, a.k.a. “Vaquero/Vaquerito”; [62] Carlos J. Nieves-Pérez, a.k.a. “Seven”; [63] Abnel H. Berríos-Natali, a.k.a. “Abnel La Barbie”; [64] Francisco Salas-Ríos, a.k.a. “Chule”; [65] Christian Guzmán-Colón, a.k.a. “Muñequita/Muñe”; [66] Pedro Crespo-Bouchamp, a.k.a. “Colorex/Colo/Pedrito/Colorao”; [67] Juan E. Freites-Torres, a.k.a. “Macho/Macho Kenai”; [68] Luis M. Pantoja-Cruz, a.k.a. “Cantinfla”; [69] Harold L. Abolafia-Borrero, a.k.a. “Ferrari”; [70] Christopher J. Nieves-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chucho”; [71] Jean C. Torres-Soto, a.k.a. “Chicken Pop”; [72] Daniel F. Vélez-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Guayu/Danielito”; [73] Félix J. Alvarado-Ortega, a.k.a. “Filete/Filete Mignon”’ [74] Juan F. Vélez-Cedeño, a.k.a. “Chato”; [75] Jorge L. Negrón-Cruz, a.k.a. “Pollo/Pollito/Tostin”; [76] José L. Jiménez-Candelario; [77] Luis A. Monzon-Ocasio, a.k.a. “El Pito”; [78] José M. Oyola, a.k.a. “Juaco”; [79] José A. Robles-Santiago, a.k.a. “Abi/Guitarreño”; [80] Emanuel Rivera-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Emma”; [81] Jovanni Torres-López, a.k.a. “Bimbo”; [82] Jaime J. Valentin-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Jay Barente-Rivera/Jay Lombriz/El Jay”; [83] Héctor X. Ortiz-Errazo, a.k.a.“Xavi/El Gordo”; [84] Angelita Bravo-García, a.k.a. “Bebota/Mimitime/Mimi”; [85] Ángel A. Jiménez-Candelario; [86] Luis A. Ortiz-Olivera, a.k.a. “Pache”; [87] Juan E. Rivera-Serrano, a.k.a. “Casco”; [88] Fernando Montañez-García, a.k.a. “Mostri”; [89] Brandon J. Cruz-Verges; [90] Rolando Cotto-Ortega, a.k.a. “Pastelillo”; [91] Héctor Quintana-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Chupa”; [92] Juan C. Pérez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Kibu”; [93] José C. Mojica-Torres, a.k.a. “Chencho”; [94] Héctor Méndez, a.k.a. “Rudy/Ruby/Scooby”; [95] Jean C. Del Valle-Rosa, a.k.a. “Chiwawin”; [96] Jeremy A. Barreto-Berríos; [97] Juan L. Reca-Santiago, a.k.a. “Luis Santiago-Rivera”; [98] Gabriel Sedeño-Aponte, a.k.a. “Limber”; [99] José A. Ortiz-Olivera, a.k.a. “Macho”; [100] Félix J. Ortiz, a.k.a. “Kalkri/Kenobi”; [101] Nasain Ortiz-Nieves, a.k.a. “Bart/Bart Simpson”; [102] Roberto C. Rosa-Pérez, a.k.a. “Papiro”; [103] Pedro Alvino-Colón, a.k.a. “Pello/Peyo/Pedri”; and [104] Carlos J. Santos-Vélez, a.k.a.“Carlitos”.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This multi-agency task force investigates and dismantles major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the movement of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics as well as the gang violence that accompanies drug trafficking.

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