The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico today announces the indictment by a Federal Grand Jury on June 27, 2007 of Harold Rivera-Miranda, also known as “Harold Rivera-Rodriguez, age 37, for the carjacking of a 61 year old handicapped female in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

On June 2, 2007, the indictment alleges that Rivera-Miranda did forcibly carjack from this 61 year old handicapped female a 1993 Chevrolet Lumina, while she was parking her vehicle after returning from grocery shopping. Rivera-Miranda ordered the victim out of the car, but she was unable to get out because she is handicapped. Rivera-Miranda then violently grabbed and dragged the victim out of the car, throwing her on the ground. Rivera-Miranda then proceeded to take the vehicle and almost ran over the victim with her own car.

Later that same day, Rivera-Miranda was arrested driving the aforementioned vehicle by the Police of Puerto Rico. Rivera-Miranda was then subsequently released to the custody of the FBI-San Juan Division.

If convicted, Rivera-Miranda faces a maximum of 15 years of imprisonment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney José Capó-Iriarte.

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