ST. THOMAS, VI – Julio Soto Robles, a 34-year-old native of Puerto Rico, faced federal justice this week after being sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for his role in attempting to distribute over half a kilogram of cocaine.
The sentence came on January 27, 2023, after Robles pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute the substance. His downfall began at Cyril E. King Airport on August 18, 2020, when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered $11,000 in U.S. currency on his person upon arrival. Robles claimed it was for a relative’s surgery, though he confessed to never having met her.
Two weeks later, the pair attempted to leave the island again, only to be intercepted at the airport. During the secondary inspection, CBP found three separate bundles of cocaine hidden in their luggage. The investigation into this case was led by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne handling the prosecution.
Robles’s actions have brought further scrutiny to the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Virgin Islands. His sentencing sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated, and law enforcement is committed to upholding the rule of law on the island.
The case underscores the importance of partnerships between federal agencies in combating organized crime and preventing drugs from reaching vulnerable communities. With this conviction, the justice system has once again demonstrated its resolve in protecting public safety.
RELATED: Puerto Rican Trafficker Gets 32 Months in VI
RELATED: Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty in Mass Drug Ring
Related Federal Cases
- Puerto Rican Woman Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Distribution · Puerto Rico
- 26 Smuggled Cocaine at LMMIA: Puerto Rican Ring Busted · Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican Drug Kingpin Enríquez-Núñez Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking · Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico Gang Indicted for Cocaine Distribution and Kidnapping · Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican Men Face Life for Drug Smuggling in Buffalo · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
