SAN JUAN, P.R. – A brazen carjacking in Loiza, Puerto Rico has landed three men in federal custody, facing serious charges that could put them away for decades. Nestor Morales-Cortijo, A.K.A. “Papum,” and José Vázquez-Millán were indicted May 4, 2017, by a federal grand jury for the armed theft of a vehicle, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The indictment details the April 27, 2017, incident where Morales-Cortijo and Vázquez-Millán allegedly approached an adult female and, wielding a firearm, forcibly took her green, 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. The vehicle had been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, adding a federal dimension to the crime. They face charges under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119(1) and 2 – carjacking and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. The feds allege the pair acted with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury.
But the violence didn’t stop there. Jonathan Fuentes-Millán has also been charged in connection with the same night. According to a criminal complaint authorized by US Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin, Fuentes-Millán was found armed with a black rifle at a construction site near the scene of another carjacking. The victims, a woman and her family – including her husband and two children – were targeted as they arrived home. Gunshots rang out as the family tried to secure their residence, and the trio demanded the keys to the woman’s blue Toyota Prius. Though they started the car, they ultimately fled on foot.
Police responding to the scene discovered bullet casings and bloodstains leading to the adjacent construction site. There, they found Fuentes-Millán, allegedly clutching a loaded rifle, with two additional magazines on his person. The scene painted a clear picture: a planned attack on defenseless victims. Vázquez-Millán faces an additional charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition, specifically thirty-two (32) rounds of 9mm ammunition that had also been transported across state lines.
“These defendants planned and carjacked defenseless victims,” stated US Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “These defendants will be brought to justice through the hard work of federal and state law enforcement agents and our prosecutors.” Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of public assistance. “As always, the public’s help is essential to apprehending these violent criminals, and citizens with information are asked to call the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to use the tip line available at our website, http://www.fbi.gov.”
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Ana M. Santiago-Ramírez. If convicted, Morales-Cortijo, Vázquez-Millán, and Fuentes-Millán could face up to 15 years in prison for the carjacking charge and potentially life imprisonment for the firearms charge. It’s crucial to remember that indictments represent accusations, and these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The FBI continues to investigate and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
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Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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