San Juan, Puerto Rico – A local firefighter has been arrested and charged with a federal crime after allegedly transporting and harboring non-citizens in exchange for financial gain.
Pedro Rafael Rodríguez-Garnier, 54, of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 18, 2022 for transporting and harboring illegal aliens, a federal crime.
According to the investigation, on August 1, 2019, during the early morning hours, Pedro Rafael Rodríguez-Garnier encountered multiple immigrants who had arrived in Puerto Rico illegally. He then transported them from Joyuda to Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo, and once there, defendant harbored them and requested money in exchange for providing them food and shelter.
“Today’s arrest demonstrates the commitment to protecting and seeking justice for vulnerable individuals,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
“HSI San Juan is focused on identifying and assisting victims of crimes, and providing them with services regardless of citizenship or status,” said HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo. “We are committed to bringing to justice those who try to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of non-citizens.”
Pedro Rafael Rodríguez-Garnier is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The indictment does not provide further details regarding the prosecution or the sentence that may be imposed if convicted.
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Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Category: Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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