FBI CARJACKING TASK FORCE (CJTF) ARREST

Luis S. Fraticelli, Special Agent in Charge (SAC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and Marcial O. Felix, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Resident Agent in Charge (RAC) and Pedro Toledo, Superintendent Police of Puerto Rico (POPR), announced today that a criminal complaint was filed in the District of Puerto Rico (P.R.) charging Ricardo Alejandro Heredia, 19 years old, Jennifer Matos Ramos, 19 years old, residents of Cupey P.R. and Emmanuel Melendez Ramos, 20 years old, resident of Trujillo Alto, P.R., with taking a motor vehicle that has been transported, shipped, or received in interstate or foreign commerce from the person or presence of another by force and violence or by intimidation, or attempts to do so in violation of Title 18, Section 2119 and 2, possession in furtherance of a violent crime a firearm each, of unknown brand, that is two firearms which had been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, to the District of Puerto Rico in violation of Title 18, Section 2119 and Section 924(c)(1)(A) and 2.

On September 20, 2005, members of the FBI Carjacking Task Force (CJTF) placed into federal custody Ricardo Alejandro Heredia, Jennifer Matos Ramos and Emmanuel Melendez Ramos after the United States Attorneys Office determined that the crime constituted a federal violation.

During the arrest operation two state fugitives were located by members of CJTF and released to POPR.

Since the reestablishment of the FBI Carjacking Task Force, nine subjects have been charged and arrested in the District of Puerto Rico.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney AUSA Antonio Bazan.

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