Related Federal Cases
- Victor M. Ortiz-Díaz, Extortion and Soliciting a Bribe, Puerto Rico 2012 · Puerto Rico
- Jorge De Castro Font, Extortion and Honest Services Wire Fraud, Puerto Rico 2008 · Puerto Rico
- Reinaldo Vargas-Rodriguez, Conspiracy to Solicit and Accept Bribes, Puerto Rico 2021 · Puerto Rico
- Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón, Extortion and Obstruction of Justice, Puerto Rico 2019 · Louisiana
- Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón, Extortion and Obstruction of Justice, Puerto Rico 2023 · Puerto Rico
Two Puerto Rico Treasury Agents Arrested for Taking Bribes, Extorting Businesses in San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico – In a shocking case of public corruption, two agents from the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, Edwin Aponte-Hernández and Eduardo Collazo-Torres, have been arrested and charged with bribery and extortion.
According to a federal indictment, the two defendants allegedly accepted bribes in excess of $5,000.00 during the period of January through December 2015, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a series of transactions on behalf of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department.
The indictment also alleges that on June 10, 2015, the defendants did obstruct, delay, and affect commerce and the movement of articles and commodities in commerce by extortion in that they obtained property not due them or the Puerto Rico Treasury Department under the color of official right.
The bribes received were related to the regulation and licensure of adult entertainment machines within several businesses located in San Juan.
The defendants, Edwin Aponte-Hernández and Eduardo Collazo-Torres, were arrested on March 9, 2017. If convicted, they face a sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.
“Abusing one’s position as a public servant for personal gain is a breach of trust and a violation of the oath that every government employee takes,” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon. The case was investigated by the FBI, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department.
“We will continue working together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in corrupt activities are brought to justice,” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The Puerto Rico Treasury Department has assured the public that they will continue to work closely with the Federal authorities to root out corruption and maintain transparency within the department.
Defendant(s): Edwin Aponte-Hernández and Eduardo Collazo-Torres
Criminal Charges: Extortion and Accepting Bribes in excess of $5,000.00
City and State: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date: March 9, 2017 (Arrest Date)
Sentence: 20 years of imprisonment (if convicted)
Dollar Amounts: $5,000.00 (bribes received)
Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
