Carmona Serrano was charged June 3, 2020, with attempted murder by. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Marshals from the violent fugitive task forces in Connecticut and Puerto Rico to apprehend Lopez-Alameda without incident in Hartford. The US wanted Puerto Rico specifically to build a strong naval military presence in the Caribbean (which continues to this day), and to ease access to the then in-progress Panama Canal (which would be completed in 1914). Unemployment remains high in Puerto Rico. The .gov means its official. We aim to create a special connection that will lead them to return to our destination.. The site is secure. During the meeting, residents said they witnessed instances in which the police "did not say anything" to misbehaving tourists or saw tourists continue to ignore Covid-19 protocols after police confronted them. Top 10 most wanted in the District of Puerto Rico. With two new bills in Congress that seek to resolve Puerto Ricos status in very different ways, the debate is likely about to heat up, and it may break down along some unusual ideological lines. As part of the conspiracy, the members of the drug trafficking gang established drug points that would move within different areas inside the public housing projects in order to avoid police detection; and operated during the day and night, at times operated 24 hours a day. An official website of the United States government. One of the major damages that colonialism does to you is the fear of making final decisions, says journalist and historian Pedro Reina-Prez. Puerto Rico has fully vaccinated just over 73% of its 3.3 million residents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the case of D.C., statehood also aligns with the clearly expressed preference of the place in question. Violent Crimes - Murders. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. and the White House had issued a controversial report saying the federal government could do anything it wanted with Puerto Rico, including selling it to another . This arrest operation spotlights the hard work and dedicated partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies, said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Cyber's Most Wanted. [+] game-changer for the island's nightlife, events and marketing, Discover Puerto Rico. The way I see it, whenever Puerto Ricans are faced with the question of making a final decision, most people walk away from it. Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699 U.S. Americas First Federal Law Enforcement Agency, Have a question about government services? Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force (PRVOTF) investigators quickly began searching for Sierra Jimenez based on violations of his supervised release conditions. Why Ketanji Brown Jackson Split With the Courts Liberals in a 54 Decision. Nicole Acevedo is a reporter for NBC News Digital. His colleague Marco Rubio has been urging colleagues to keep an open mind but is not yet on record backing the Soto-Gonzlez bill. Working in conjunction with investigators from S/NY, the PRVOTF assumed the lead on the investigation. On March 10, 2021, after a year-long investigation the PRVOTF located the residence of Carmona Serrano in the town of Trujillo Alto, where he was placed under arrest without incident. About twice as many Puerto Ricans participated in the Democratic primary as the Republican one in 2016the last time both parties had a competitive race. The defendants indicted are: Norbert A. Molina-Avils, a/k/a Alex Fogn, Emilio Rivera-Rodrguez, a/k/a Gafas/Chino, Josu M. Justiniano-Mndez, a/k/a Molle, Alexander Justiniano-Pagn, a/k/a Alex Tota, Israel Rivera-Acosta, a/k/a Yiyo/Guillo, Christian Joel Soto-Caldern, a/k/a Salsilla, Walberto Rivera-Vigo, a/k/a Wally El Pelotero, Jos L. Malav-Gonzlez, a/k/a Lichi Motora. Tara O'Neill was formerly a breaking news reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An AK-47, Glock pistol, narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the residence. On May 31, 2019, authorities in Puerto Rico issued an arrest warrant for Lopez-Alameda, charging him with first-degree murder, attempted murder and weapons violations. But when it comes to Covid-19, the two places have little in common. You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Report Waste, Fraud, Abuse or Misconduct to the Inspector General, Defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of five million dollars, USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. We're still living in the middle of a pandemic, and people can't come here and act as if the virus doesn't exist. If passed, the bill, modeled on the admission process for Hawaii and Alaska, would trigger one last in/out referendum in Puerto Rico, whichif it passedwould create the 51st state. Marshal District of Puerto Rico San Juan, PR (939) 475-2962 U.S. The administration plans to release $1.3 billion that was meant to help Puerto Rico rebuild after Hurricane Maria in 2017, and will remove restrictions on another $4.9 billion. That's more than 2.3 million people. Abraham Villasenor Landa Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699. JC was simply amazing and very patient and knowledgeable. This means a process held outside what she calls the territorial cloth. The bill would set up a status convention, with delegates elected by Puerto Rican voters, that would develop a long-term solution for Puerto Ricos status. Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez faces charges of shooting the security guard in a San Juan nightclub. I have seven brothers and sisters. That frustration, however, does not necessarily mean an end to the stalemate over Puerto Ricos status. Abraham Angulo Wanted for the following alleged federal violations: The following alleged Federal Drug Violations:Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Conspiracy to distribute Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to launder Monetary Instruments; Laundering of Monetary Instruments. Some haulers caught, Arming guidance counselors? Along with our main office in San Juan, we have five satellite offices, known as resident agencies, in the area. We share the mission of taking violent criminals off the streets and enhancing community-wide efforts to make Puerto Rico a safer place.. Whether Puerto Rico actually wants to be a state is still an open question. . U.S. territory have avoided overwhelming their already fragile health care system, riding a scooter in the middle of a busy highway. As a member of Congress, I should not interfere with that process. It is alleged that on February 15, 2021, officers in Puerto Rico conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration tags that Rodriguez-Maldonado was driving and during the encounter, Rodriguez-Maldonado led officers on a high speed pursuit and shot at two officers. That particular talking point is trite and cynical and kind of ironic. 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A rain garden is an area dug slightly below the surrounding area that can catch and collect rainfall and keep it from carrying pollutants downstream. organization (DTO) wanted in the Southern District of New York. Illegal appropriations are the most common property crimes in Puerto Rico. San Juan, PR The U.S. Marshals-led Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force arrested a suspected leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) wanted in the Southern District of New York. En la @CTPuertoRico estamos comprometidos con continuar apoyando los esfuerzos que llevan acabo las agencias de ley y orden, el aeropuerto y el sector privado de velar por el cumplimiento de medidas de seguridad y protocolos del COVID-19. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pedro R. Casablanca and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Yanira Coln-Garca from the Puerto Rico Department of Justice are in charge of the prosecution of the case. Israel Melndez Ayala, 34, a longtime resident of Old San Juan, saw many tourists without masks when he and his partner went out to walk their dog this week. Some of the sellers within the organization had access to different vehicles and would stash the narcotics in order to retrieve them when they sold the drugs. All Rights Reserved. Working in conjunction with investigators Along with our main office in San Juan, we have five satellite offices, known as resident agencies, in the area. Olga D. Wagenheim, et al., "Puerto Rico," britannica.com, June 5, 2021: 30. On Feb. 17, 2011, a Puerto Rico court accused Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez, in absentia, for attempted murder and illegal use of a weapon on February 17, 2011, allocating a $ 750K bond. Its not clear how this periodand the Trump-led U.S. governments blithe disregard throughout itwill affect the statehood debate. U.S. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Firearm Possession; Gang Membership; Narcotics, Immigration Authority Delegation Program 287(g). Lopez-Alameda got a Connecticut license using the stolen social security card and had been living in the state under the stolen identity for over a year, officials said. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico On March 29, 2021, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a six-count indictment charging 25 gang members with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and aiding and abetting in the possession/distribution of controlled substances, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The candidates from the pro-commonwealth PPD, the Citizens Victory Movement, and the Independence Party combined for a little less than 60 percent of the vote, which also suggests that support for statehood is not exactly overwhelming. "We can say that we have experienced one of the most fruitful stages in the history of tourism in Puerto Rico," said Carlos . U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Puerto Rico QuickFacts Table (a) Includes persons reporting only one race (c) Economic Census - Puerto Rico data are not comparable to U.S. Economic Census data (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories Opponents also say the vote was a stunt by the PNP to bring its supporters to the polls for the governors election happening the same day. It should be noted that Jeffrey Lopez-Alameda was so good at concealing his identity that his neighbors and fiancee were unaware of his real name, the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov. The Marshals will Investigators said Lopez-Alameda fled Puerto Rico after the April 2019 homicide, obtained a stolen social security card and assumed the identity of Radames Negron Gonzalez.. Its Extremely Revealing. Within its first six months, the campaign reached 36 million households, resulting in an increase in travelers' familiarity and positive perception of Puerto Rico, leading to record visitation numbers, lodging income, tax revenue and jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector in 2022. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - On March 10, 2021, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 30 violent gang members with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and aiding and abetting in the possession/distribution of controlled substances, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United Since the start of the pandemic, at least 1,079 have been arrested for violating Covid-19 restrictions put in place by executive orders, Lpez Figueroa said last week, adding that Puerto Rican police have received at least 3,689 complaints over Covid-19 violations. Without the strong backing of figures like Scott and Rubio, the bill has almost no chance of getting 60 votes in the Senate. Up to 8,041 crimes classified as illegal appropriations were recorded in the . under arrest without incident. The 30 co-conspirators acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: four suppliers and 26 sellers. This solution would then be put to the voters for a final referendum. Being just a two-hour flight from Miami, it's easy to get to. Because of the cheap flights, were receiving tourists were not used to seeing," said Dr. Victor Ramos, president of Puerto Rico's physicians association and part of groups of science experts advising Gov. Covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also notes that in Alaska and Hawaii, support for statehood increased dramatically after Congress officially put statehood on the table, making it a viable and realistic option. We will continue working closely with our state local law enforcement partners to make our streets and communities a safer one" said U.S. Ten Steps to Doing Business with the USMS. In 48 hours, they received $10,000. He may also be facing some pressure from Puerto Rican voters in New York, where support for statehood tends to be lower than it is in Floridathe other major center of the Puerto Rican population on the mainland. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The credit union industry continues to perform very well and figures for the financial stability index show a stable behavior.. U.S. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. FBIs Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team, Two Individuals and a Healthcare Management Company Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering, PPP Fraud, and Bank Fraud, St. Croix Man Sentenced 150 Months' Incarceration on Home Invasion and Carjacking Conviction, FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice, Municipalities covered: Aguada, Aguadilla, Aasco, Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Isabela, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Maricao, Mayaguez, Moca, Quebradillas, Rincon, Sabana Grande, San German, and San Sebastin, Municipalities covered: Arroyo, Ceiba, Culebra, Fajardo, Humacao, Juncos, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Maunabo, Naguabo, Patillas, Rio Grande, San Lorenzo, Vieques, and Yabucoa, Municipalities covered: Adjuntas, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Coamo, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Orocovis, Peuelas, Ponce, Salinas, Santa Isabel, Villalba, and Yauco, Territory covered: St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island. That's more than 2.3 million people . Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE to report suspicious activityReport Crime, Learn facts about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Discover Puerto Rico's 'Live Boricua' campaign highlights Puerto Rican culinary delights such as the 'bacalaito,' or cod fritter. Even as Puerto Rico has lingered in the stasis of commonwealth status, it has been through an extraordinarily tumultuous few years materially and politically. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. Who am I to tell any of my family whats right for them? she says. Wanted and Missing Persons Community Outreach Wanted by the FBI This page features fugitives wanted by the FBI for a variety of violent and non-violent crimes, terrorism suspects, kidnapped. WKAQ-TV (channel 2) is a television station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as the U.S. territory's dual Telemundo and NBC outlet. Leslie Adames, director, Estudios Tcnicos Economic Analysis and Policy Division. Despite growing public support for Puerto Rican statehood, the bills chances seem slim. Get FBI email alerts Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov. At this point, the better question may be whether it can get 50 votes, from Democrats. Vacillating Wildly From Dispiriting to Exhilarating, During the debate over statehood for Alaska. Vacationers will have many interesting places to visit and fun things to do from relaxing on uncrowded beaches, hiking a tropical forest, kayaking in bioluminescent bays, and visiting UNESCO historic sites to thrilling activities. Episode 5: What's it like to be a special agent with HSI? Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The Puerto Rico Warrant Search links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to PR public records. An official website of the United States government. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. U.S. In 1989, President George H.W. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), PGA Tours 15th Puerto Rico Open kicks off, Iberia to promote Puerto Rico, add flights to route, Sounds like Puerto Rico series nominated for 5 Emmy Awards, Op-Ed: Under Deans inspiring leadership, DMO guides islands tourism boom. We are committed to dismantling and removing the threat posed by these criminal organizations flooding our communities with dangerous narcotics and violence., This case exemplifies that those involved in the distribution of narcotics and other contraband will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted, said Ivn J. Arvelo, special agent in charge for HSI San Juan. This bill, a previous version of which was introduced last year, aims to end the colonial situation in Puerto Rico, as Velzquez put it to me. Some co-conspirators collected the profits from the drug trafficking sales and traveled within the municipality of Mayagez and other areas nearby to deliver the proceeds to the leaders of the organization. Subscribe The co-conspirators of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to maintain control of the areas in which they operated. Adaily email update of the stories you need to read right now. Think Youre Smarter Than a What Next Producer? Police seeking suspect wanted for multiple North Philadelphia bar robberies, targeting liquor, Additional information about the U.S. Thats for the people of Puerto Rico to determine, she says. Two New York representatives of Puerto Rican descentVelzquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezare about to introduce their own competing bill, the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act. Thats why you never have a referendum with major participation.. The Republican opposition to Puerto Rican statehood is a little ironic. Some co-conspirators would routinely possess, carry, brandish, and use firearms to protect themselves and their drug trafficking organization. of Carmona Serrano in the town of Trujillo Alto, where he was placed The island has been a semi-independent commonwealth since 1952, but the U.S. Congressin which Puerto Rico does not have a votestill exercises significant control over its political affairs. Numerous left-leaning analysts, looking at the long-term disadvantages Democrats face in the House and even more so the Senate, where sparsely populated, rural, red areas are overrepresented, have concluded that it is imperative that the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, presumably blue, be added as states as soon as possible. As Puerto Rico continues to reopen and welcome more tourists, experts and residents worry that travelers unwillingness to follow Covid-19 protocols could reverse some of the progress theyve made so far. Find Out With This Weeks News Quiz. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. At night here, its almost as if we had no curfew," Lpez told WKAQ. Information developed by New York investigators indicated Carmona Serrano was residing in Puerto Rico, acting as a leader of a drug trafficking organization operating out of several public housing projects in the San Juan metro area. Offenders Task Force arrested a suspected leader of a drug trafficking This is the first part of a series where youll get an inside look at USERTfrom their rigorous training to tools of the trade. It seems like were not responding to the incidents, but we truly are, Police Commissioner Antonio Lpez Figueroa said days earlier about the situation. One straightforward solutionsome sayis to restructure things by adding more states. Discover Puerto Ricos chief executive officer, Brad Dean, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the organizations desire to showcase the islands unique culture to visitors. Puerto Rico is a large Caribbean island of roughly 3,500 square miles located in the West Indies. While the bill is portrayed by opponents as an attempt to block statehood, Velzquez says she is not campaigning for any of the status options. One of the most viral videos showed a tourist riding a scooter in the middle of a busy highway in San Juan, the capital city. Her death was the first femicide of 2021 in Puerto Rico, where violence against women is a longstanding problem. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection collaborated during the arrests. U.S. Thats not quite how it turned out in the long run. We remain committed to protecting our families and communities. News is my Business was born in November 2010 out of a desire to provide no-nonsense, straightforward, English-language news relevant to Puerto Ricos business community, in an all-digital format. Republicans themselves have historically been divided on the question of Puerto Ricos status. Statehood opponents say the vote was invalidit wasnt recognized by the U.S. Department of Justiceand point out that turnout was low, at less than 55 percent. Ten Steps to Doing Business with the USMS. PEDRO SANTAMARIA. Two Individuals and a Healthcare Management Company Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering, PPP Fraud, and Bank Fraud, 02.23.2023 A weekly compilation of engaging digital content. Required fields are marked *. firearms violations. Ricardo Rosell. Hike the massive El Yunque rainforest to explore waterfalls and wildlife. Get information about how to check in with your local ICE Office here. The site is secure. St. Croix Man Sentenced 150 Months' Incarceration on Home Invasion and Carjacking Conviction. Puerto Ricans have had U.S. citizenship since 1917, but werent able to elect their own government until 1948. Collazo. emailStay Connected Theres a sister or two who support statehood. An official website of the United States government. If we implemented D.C. and Puerto Rican statehood and passed redistricting reform, that would roughly triple our chance of holding the House in 2022 and roughly the same in the Senate, polling expert David Shor told New York magazine in a recent interview. This is because the question of Puerto Ricos final status has long been the main dividing line in Puerto Rican politics. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. If we deny the capacity of the people of Puerto Rico to move forward in the process, what you have is a minority imposing a continued territory that everyone on the island recognizes as dysfunctional and undemocratic, he says. The currently dominant New Progressive Party, or PNP, favors statehood. If you have information about the whereabouts of these fugitives, immediately contact your local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office or call the national hotline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE as soon as possible. In 2019 came a protest movement leading to the resignation of Gov. On March 22, 2021 Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force and Puerto Rico Police Bureau agents located the residence of Sierra Jimenez in the Jardines de Selle public housing project, where he was placed under arrest without incident. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has backed statehood in the past, but recently changed his tune, saying that the 2020 referendum process was not fair and tying his objections to a controversial law critics say is aimed at turning the island into a tax haven. . So whether Puerto Ricos four House members and two senators would even be guaranteed Democrats is not as obvious as it might seem. The site is secure. But to Velzquez, the main point is that Congress should not be privileging one status option over another when its still a live debate on the island.