Five arrested in Puerto Rico under Operation Summer Heat targeting violent crime

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W. Stephen Muldrow U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico

Five arrested in Puerto Rico under Operation Summer Heat targeting violent crime

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A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted four individuals on multiple violent crime charges, while a fifth person was arrested for firearms violations. The arrests are part of Operation Summer Heat, an FBI initiative focused on violent crime and dismantling criminal organizations.

Carlos Ortiz-Hernández was indicted for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as for possessing a machinegun. This case involved cooperation between the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian Radzinschi is prosecuting.

Diana Lee Vázquez-Arroyo was arrested by the San Juan Homeland Security Task Force and charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute over five kilograms of cocaine. She is accused of sending narcotics through San Juan International Airport to New York. The task force includes members from several federal agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and US Marshals Service. Her arrest was coordinated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of New York.

Gilbert Manuel Fajardo Álvarez was arrested following a search warrant execution in Canóvanas that uncovered a modified rifle capable of fully automatic fire. This case highlights joint efforts by the FBI and ATF to address gang violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Díaz-González is prosecuting.

René Esponda-Rodríguez and Verona Salas-Arce were arrested by the Aguadilla Resident Agency for possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, as well as possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pedro Casablanca is handling this prosecution.

W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, stated: “The people of Puerto Rico are safer following the arrests of these individuals who were charged with different violent crimes and firearms violations. Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are continuously coordinating and investigating to keep this work going and make our communities safe.”

Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office added: “By now it should be clear that Summer doesn’t slow us down—it sharpens our focus. 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.”

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

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