Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned three indictments charging four individuals for multiple violent charges. Another individual was arrested via criminal complaint for firearms violations. The investigations and arrests are part of Operation Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime, gangs and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
According to court documents, on July 30, 2025, the Grand Jury returned an Indictment against Carlos Ortiz-Hernández for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and for possession of a machinegun in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). These efforts were a collaboration between FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian Radzinschi is prosecuting the case.
On July 30, 2025, the San Juan Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF – HIDTA – CE-1) executed the arrest of Diana Lee Vázquez-Arroyo, charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, and to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 846. Vázquez-Arroyo was accused of sending narcotics through the San Juan International Airport to the state of New York. This arrest is a result of our HSTF efforts including FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and US Marshals Service (USMS), which are prioritizing resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. This arrest was executed in coordination with the US Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York.
On July 31, 2025, the Safe Streets Task Force (Gangs) executed a search warrant in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico in search of evidence of the possession of a machinegun Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), which resulted in the arrest of Gilbert Manuel Fajardo Álvarez based on a complaint for findings of a modified rifle, which changes its capability to fully automatic. These is an example of how the FBI and ATF are working together to dismantle violent gangs and make our communities safer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Díaz-González is prosecuting the case.
On July 31, 2025, the Aguadilla Resident Agency (ARA) arrested René Esponda-Rodríguez and Verona Salas-Arce, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person (felon) in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B) and Title 18 U.S.C. §2, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and Title 18 U.S.C. §2. These arrests demonstrate our commitment to eradicate violent crime, drug trafficking and their leaders in all parts of our area of responsibility. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pedro Casablanca is prosecuting the case.
“The people of Puerto Rico are safer following the arrests of these individuals who were charged with different violent crimes and firearms violations,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are continuously coordinating and investigating to keep this work going and make our communities safe.”
“By now it should be clear that Summer doesn’t slow us down—it sharpens our focus,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “While the people we’re sworn to serve are enjoying the season, we’re working—quietly, relentlessly, around the clock—to identify and dismantle those driving violence in our communities. Every arrest this week is proof that Operation Summer Heat is not just a headline. It’s a methodical campaign—fueled by the dedicated men and women of FBI San Juan and our partners—designed to find thugs and remove them from our streets before they do more harm. If you’ve chosen that life, you’re already on our list, and we won’t stop until you face justice.”
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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