22 Individuals Charged With Conspiracy to Commit Id Theft

SAN JUAN, P.R. – A brazen identity theft ring operating in and around San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been cracked, with a federal grand jury handing down a 49-count superseding indictment against 22 individuals. The group allegedly stole the personal and financial information of countless customers, racking up losses exceeding $280,000 for financial institutions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced the charges on May 11, 2017, following a joint investigation by the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and U.S. Postal Inspectors.

The scheme revolved around “card skimming” – the illicit use of devices to steal data from debit and credit cards at retail locations. According to the indictment, the conspirators weren’t just after account numbers; they sought names, identifying information, and anything else needed to create counterfeit cards. These fraudulent cards were then used to drain ATMs, purchase money orders, and finance a lifestyle built on stolen identities and financial fraud.

Those indicted include Roy Moreno-Negrón, identified as the ringleader, who also faces a separate charge for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Also named are José Calderón-Campos, Edwin R. López-Colón, Miguel González-Marichal, A.K.A. “Kevin,” A.K.A. “Mecha Corta,” Luis Torres Cirilo, A.K.A. “Luis Piña,” A.K.A. “Luigi,” A.K.A. “Rosario,” A.K.A. “Aurelio Chacorta,” Juan Carlos Santiago-Calderón, Yadiely Vázquez-Medina, Adriana Calero-Estades, Edward Santiago-González, Ameliangie M. Graciani-Ramos, Ángel Yadier Esquilin-Cruz, Christopher Rivera-Pérez, Dijeiry Flores, Johana María Rivera-Aguayo, Jorge Luis Vaello-Marquez, Ángel Luna-Guerrero, A.K.A. “Angelito Barber,” Abraham Cruz-Semprit, A.K.A. “Bam Bam,” Michael Soto-Rodríguez, A.K.A. “Chal Soto,” Gustavo Mojica-Moreno, Jean Carlos Lebrón-Falcón, Elvin José Castellano, A.K.A. “Enanito Antonio,” A.K.A. “Menor Cupey,” and Javier Delbrey Negrón.

“Law enforcement will not stand by as criminals attempt to disrupt our lives, steal our savings, and ravage our credit,” stated U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Her office is prosecuting the case, promising a vigorous pursuit of justice for the victims. The scale of the operation suggests a sophisticated network, and investigators are still working to determine the full extent of the damage.

Carlos Colón, Resident Agent in Charge of the USSS, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating financial fraud. “This case highlights the Secret Service’s investigative skills and our commitment to collaborate with our law enforcement partners in detecting and dismantling sophisticated criminal organizations,” he said. Jim Buthorn, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Newark Division/San Field Office, added, “These arrests are a fitting end to their scheme… we will tirelessly work to protect the American public from predators like Moreno.”

If convicted on the conspiracy charge, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years, meaning those convicted on that count will serve at least two additional years behind bars. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of identity theft and the importance of protecting personal financial information.

Key Facts

Agency: U.S. Secret Service
Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
Source: Official Press Release

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Roy Moreno-Negrón, ID Theft Conspiracy, Puerto Rico 2017

22 Individuals Charged With Conspiracy to Commit Id Theft

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