Puerto Rican Trafficker Gets 32 Months in VI

ST. THOMAS, VI – Julio Soto Robles, 34, of Puerto Rico, is headed to federal prison after receiving a 32-month sentence for a brazen attempt to move 735 grams of cocaine through Cyril E. King Airport. U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced the sentence Friday, January 27, 2023, following a lengthy investigation that exposed a sloppy operation fueled by greed.

The scheme began to unravel on August 18, 2020, when Soto Robles and his accomplice, Gregory Vega, touched down from Puerto Rico…without a shred of luggage. Instead, Soto Robles carried a hefty $11,000 in cash, claiming it was destined for the surgery of a mysterious relative he’d never even met – a “Tia Abuela.” The story immediately raised red flags with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, a detail the prosecution hammered home during proceedings.

Two days later, the pair attempted to flee back to Puerto Rico, this time with a suitcase. CBP wasn’t buying it. A secondary inspection revealed the true contents: three tightly wrapped bundles of cocaine, hidden in plain sight. The jig was up. Soto Robles, facing mounting evidence, eventually pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute the illicit substance.

Court records paint a picture of a poorly planned operation, relying on flimsy excuses and a blatant disregard for the law. The $11,000 was meant to *pay* for the cocaine, not the other way around, according to investigators. The “Tia Abuela” story was a desperate attempt to explain the large sum of cash, and it failed spectacularly. The entire operation reeks of amateur hour.

The investigation was a joint effort between CBP and Homeland Security Investigations, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in disrupting drug trafficking networks. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the 32-month sentence and a four-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. This isn’t just about one man going to jail; it’s a message to anyone thinking of using the Virgin Islands as a transit point for illegal drugs.

Soto Robles’ sentence serves as a stark reminder that federal authorities are actively monitoring travel routes and relentlessly pursuing those who attempt to profit from the misery of others. While 32 months may seem lenient to some, it’s a significant penalty, and Soto Robles will have plenty of time to reflect on his choices behind bars. Vega’s status remains unclear at press time, but further charges are expected.

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