On July 2, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico indicted 16 members of a violent gang from San Germán. They are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and firearms violations. The announcement was made by W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Ponce and Mayagüez Strike Force, with assistance from the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
U.S. Attorney Muldrow stated, "As alleged in the indictment, the members of this drug trafficking organization conducted their criminal activities in the presence of minors, in complete disregard to the detriment of the children." He emphasized that efforts will continue to work with law enforcement partners to protect children and make neighborhoods safe.
Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, expressed gratitude towards all involved parties for disrupting this criminal enterprise: "The FBI’s commitment to public safety is unwavering."
The indictment covers activities from 2023 through present day, alleging distribution of various drugs within proximity to Manuel F. Rossy Public Housing Project and nearby areas for financial gain. It details how drug points operated within apartments at the housing project and how members secured these locations against law enforcement actions.
Roles within this operation included leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts among others. Specific individuals named include Jonathan Humberto Peraza-Rosa (“El Negro”), Jesed Natan Pagán-Ríos (“J”), Karvinson Javier Medina-Figueroa (“Champi/Jampi”), among others.
Nine defendants face additional charges related to possession of firearms linked to drug trafficking crimes. Prosecutors involved include Assistant U.S. Attorney Alberto López-Rocafort along with AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares and FBI Special AUSA Frank M. Norris.
Convictions could lead up to life imprisonment on both drug charges alone or combined with firearm charges; additionally facing narcotics forfeiture allegations totaling $2,850,900.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America under DOJ initiatives aimed at eliminating cartels/transnational organizations while protecting communities nationwide via efforts like OCDETFs & PSN programs alongside FBI's Summer Heat initiative targeting violent offenders/gang members during summer months across America—highlighting Director Patel’s commitment toward combating crime effectively throughout society today as always before us now too indeed!
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