St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that earlier today, Julio Soto Robles and Gregory Vega were charged in federal court with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with intent to distribute.
According to court records, on Aug. 18, 2020, Soto Robles and Vega arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport on a flight from Puerto Rico with no luggage. During a primary inspection by Customs and Border Protection agents, Soto Robles was found to be in possession of $11,000 in U.S. currency. On Aug. 20, 2020, Soto Robles and Vega returned to the Cyril E. King airport and attempted to board a flight bound for Puerto Rico. During the secondary inspection process, Customs and Border Protection agents searched a carry-on bag that the two men were carrying. Agents discovered approximately 865 grams, or just under two pounds, of cocaine inside the bag.
A detention hearing will be held before Magistrate Ruth Miller on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
