José Julio Rodríguez-Cumba, also known as “Chambi,” pleaded guilty on April 14 to running a continuing criminal enterprise that trafficked large quantities of cocaine from South America into Puerto Rico and the continental United States. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández, with sentencing pending. Rodríguez-Cumba faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment.
Rodríguez-Cumba admitted responsibility for over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine intended for unlawful importation and distribution as part of his organization. Prosecutors said he directed the use of violence and firearms, including machine guns, to protect the operation and its members. While detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo between July 2023 and May 2024, Rodríguez-Cumba arranged for others to smuggle buprenorphine into the facility.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations along with several federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; United States Postal Inspection Service; among others. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan R. McCabe is prosecuting the case.
As part of his plea agreement, Rodríguez-Cumba agreed to forfeit assets including a luxury yacht named “El Ancla,” cash, real property, personal property, and firearms.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created by Executive Order 14159 aimed at dismantling criminal cartels operating within U.S. borders through interagency collaboration targeting crimes such as human trafficking and child exploitation.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico supports public safety by handling federal crimes including civil rights violations according to its official website. The office enforces federal laws through criminal prosecutions and civil litigation according to its official website, serving all areas within Puerto Rico according to its official website. W. Stephen Muldrow has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website.
The office addresses crimes such as public corruption and drug trafficking according to its official website while providing mechanisms for reporting crime or fraud in support of public safety according to its official website.
