Puerto Rico Officials Arrest 11 Individuals Accused of Embezzling Over $858,000 in COVID-19 Relief Funds
Major Crackdown on Fraud in Puerto Rico
In a significant move against fraud, federal authorities have arrested 11 individuals accused of embezzling over $858,600 in COVID-19 relief funds intended for struggling citizens in Puerto Rico. The suspects allegedly stole the money by using personal identification information to obtain multiple economic impact payments.
Scheme Uncovered through Joint Investigation
The scheme was uncovered through a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda). The Economic Impact Payment Distribution Plan approved by the US Secretary of the Treasury allowed the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury to distribute the funds to eligible individuals.
Charges Filed against Suspects
The suspects, identified as:
- Estephany J. Disla
- Soammy K. Feliz-Rivera
- Ismarielis Nolberto-Cedaño
- Tatiana Segarra-Vázquez
- José L. Cruz-Gutiérrez
- Altagracia J. Peña
- Félix J. Rivera-Álvarez
- Karla Y. Colón-Cruz
- Yuleydi C. Bautista
- Esther J. Peña-Tineo
- Gisel E. Dilone-Díaz
face charges of:
- Theft, Disposition, and Receipt of Stolen Government Money in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
US Attorney’s Statement
US Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow praised the investigation, stating that the arrests reflect the government’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who try to exploit a national emergency to steal taxpayer-funded resources. “We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable and to safeguard taxpayer funds,” he said.
FBI’s Statement
The FBI’s San Juan Field Office echoed Muldrow’s sentiments, emphasizing that social justice starts by doing the right thing the right way. The agency urged the public to report any COVID-19-related fraud schemes or suspicious activity by calling 787-987-6500 or leaving a tip through tips.fbi.gov.
National Center for Disaster Fraud
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) also provided a hotline number, 1-866-720-5721, and a web complaint form for individuals to report suspected fraud.
Prosecution of the Case
Assistant US Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández is prosecuting the case.
Note on Indictments
It’s worth noting that the indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.