(787) 766-5656

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 8, 2007

COAMO CARJACKERS ARRESTED

SAN JUAN, P.R. - Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and Luis Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Juan Division, announced that seven men were arrested today for the July 18, 2005, carjackings outside of El Parador Los Baños in Coamo. The assaults were orchestrated by defendant Fernando J. Rivera-Feliciano, aka “Bolo”. On October 26, 2007, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count indictment charging eight (8) men, with violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119, 2 and 371.

The other seven defendants are: Carlos Cruz-Escalera, aka “Carlitos Pillo” and his brother Cristian Cruz-Escalera; Carlos Colón-Ortiz, aka “Popito”; Ángel Rodríguez-Vargas, aka “Peineta”; Eric Cruz-Cruz, aka “Erito”; Emmanuel Rivera-Padilla, aka “Manuel” and Ramón Reyes-Luna, aka “Ramoncito”. Rivera-Feliciano was arrested in Orlando, FL, the Cruz-Escalera brothers were arrested in Lancaster, PA, Rivera-Padilla was arrested in Detroit, MI and Reyes-Luna in Puerto Rico. Colón-Ortiz and Rodríguez-Vargas are currently serving a three year sentences. The FBI continues its investigation.

“The joint efforts of federal and state law enforcement agencies, in Puerto Rico and in various states where defendants were located, have resulted in the arrests of these violent individuals”, said USA Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez. “We are pleased with the results of the investigation and will vigorously prosecute these individuals to the full extent of the law”.

The indictment alleges that Rivera-Feliciano, Carlos Cruz-Escalera and Colón-Ortiz went to el Parador los Baños in Coamo, PR, scouting for potential targets. Later, along with the other defendants, they organized and planned how they were going to commit the carjackings. Rodríguez-Vargas and Colón-Ortiz assaulted a man and took a gray Volkswagen Jetta; and Carlos Cruz-Escalera, Cruz-Cruz and Rivera-Padilla assaulted another man and took a red Toyota Corolla.

"This is another fine example of an aggressive and tenacious investigation by the FBI and the Police of Puerto Rico," said Luis Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI - San Juan Field Office. "This two-year investigation resulted in the disruption and dismantlement of a criminal organization which has been in operation for the past several years. This criminal organization is allegedly responsible for carjackings, auto thefts, home invasions and commercial robberies in Coamo and Aibonito, Puerto Rico."

"Today's arrests required the assistance of the FBI - Detroit, Philadelphia, and Tampa Field Offices," said Mr. Fraticelli.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 5 years on the conspiracy charges, 25 years on the carjacking charges, and fines up to $250,000.00 dollars.

The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie B. Mosley.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial and the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Eric Cruz-Cruz, may contact the San Juan Field Office of the FBI, 24 hours a day at (787) 754-6000 or 1-877-FBI-SJPR (1-877-324-7577). Please find picture attached.

Name:                                Eric Cruz-Cruz

Alias:                                "Erito"

Age:                                  24 years old

Height:                              5' 8"

Weight: Approximately 200 pounds

Hair:                                  Black

Eyes:                                 Brown

Complexion:                     Light (tez blanca)