Benny Ruperto Rivera, Firearms Offenses, Puerto Rico 2018

San Juan, Puerto Rico - In a shocking turn of events, two individuals have been arrested and charged with firearms offenses in Puerto Rico, leaving many wondering about the island's growing crime problem.

According to sources, Benny Ruperto Rivera and Raymond Quintana Sotomayor, both convicted felons, were found to be in possession of firearms and ammunition, which they had knowingly possessed in and affecting interstate commerce.

The case is part of the Trigger Puller Initiative, the Mayagüez Strike Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigation.

The indictment, which was returned on September 20, 2018, states that Rivera and Sotomayor had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and had knowingly possessed firearms and ammunition in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

Rivera was arrested on September 20, 2018, while Sotomayor was arrested on September 19, 2018. Sotomayor was also found to be absconded from state probation at the time of his arrest.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa S. Zapata-Valladares. If convicted, defendants face up to 10 years in prison.

An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/two-individuals-indicted-firearms-offenses