Individual Found Guilty Of Drug Trafficking

Press Release
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Puerto Rico


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a four day jury trial, Delfín Robles-Álvarez was
found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful
importation, conspiracy to import cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money
laundering, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
United States District Court Judge Pérez-Giménez presided over the trial. Ei-
ght other co-conspirators had already pled guilty and are awaiting sentence
and one other defendant is awaiting extradition.

According to the indictment, throughout the year of 2005 and continuing up
to 2014, the defendant, along with others, intentionally combined, conspired,
and agreed to possess with intent to import and distribute more than five kilo-
grams of cocaine from Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles into Puerto Rico.

During trial, the government presented video, audio, and telephone recordings
of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into a drug trafficking or-
ganization responsible for transporting over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from
Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles, to Puerto Rico for distribution and sale as
well as the laundering of funds in excess of 12 million U.S. dollars. The com-
plex conspiracy involved numerous players with various roles, the smuggling
of money and drugs both by sea and by air, and various methods to launder the
proceeds from these illegal activities, one of which was the Puerto Rico lottery
system. A jury heard lay and expert testimony at trial that proved Delfin Robles-
Alvarez’ willful participation and knowing involvement in the conspiracy.

“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against narcotics in Pu-
erto Rico. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of
teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of this defendant
at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of
Puerto Rico.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mariana Bauza
and Special Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Goetchius. Delfín Robles-
Álvarez faces a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The now convic-
ted defendant also faces a possible fine and a money judgment to be determined
later by the Judge.