U.S. Department of Justice

Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez
United States Attorney
District of Puerto Rico

Torre Chardon Suite 1201 (787) 766-5656
350 Carlos Chardon Street
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                Contacts: U.S. Attorney’s Office
Date: March 19, 2008                                                                                                                                 Lymarie Llovet-Ayala
                                                                                                                                                                        Public Affairs Specialist
                                                                                                                                                                        787- 282-1820 ; 787-340-1835

POLICE OFFICER AND 3 OTHERS ARRESTED FOR CONSPIRING TO POSSESS WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE 200 KILOS OF COCAINE AND PROVIDING SECURITY TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

SAN JUAN, PR - On March 18, 2008, a Federal Grand Jury returned an indictment charging four individuals, among them Puerto Rico Police Officer Félix Rosa-Soto, with a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 200 kilograms of cocaine. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

The indictment was the culmination of a joint ICE/FBI undercover investigation which began in October, 2007. The main defendant, Rosa-Soto who is a patrol officer in the Bayamón North Precinct, received $7,000.00 in exchange for his services. The other three defendants are: Jonathan Ocaña-Pagán, Joel Crespo-Sein and Victor Jiménez Martínez.

“The individuals charged today have put many individuals at risk with their drug trafficking activities. Defendant Rosa-Soto abused his position of trust by accepting payment to facilitate the transportation of drugs in the community which he was bound to protect as a law enforcement officer. The US Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute these individuals to the full extent of the law.” stated United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.

"It's a shame a few corrupt police officers continue to stain the badge, honor and integrity of the good men and women of the Police of Puerto Rico," said Luis Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI - San Juan Field Office.

"These arrests prove our commitment to keep drugs off the streets of Puerto Rico," said Acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE Office of Investigations Roberto Escobar-Vargas. "We will continue using all our resources and soliciting the support of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations in our area of responsibility."

Penalties for the offenses alleged are ten (10) years to life incarceration and a fine up to $4,000,000.00.