San Juan, Puerto Rico – The grim saga of the Spagnoletti murder and a brutal drug trafficking ring ended with six defendants receiving harsh sentences. Alex Burgos-Amaro, the last defendant to face justice in this case, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison followed by eight years of supervised release.
Three other individuals were handed life sentences for their roles in the conspiracy that led to multiple murders, including banker Maurice Spagnoletti. Luis Carmona-Bernacet, a.k.a. “Canito Cumbre”, Yadiel Serrano-Canales, a.k.a. “Motombo”, and Rolando Rivera-Solis were all convicted for their involvement in the ring’s activities.
Alan Lugo-Montalvo was sentenced to 360 months (30 years) and Fabiany Almestica-Monge received 540 months (45 years) for their respective roles. All were convicted following a jury trial held on May 11, 2023.
The evidence presented at the trial revealed that since 2000, the defendants were part of an organization responsible for numerous murders and drug trafficking in San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Guaynabo, and Bayamón. Four of them were found guilty of using firearms during drug trafficking crimes, resulting in the death of William Castro on December 30, 2002.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow highlighted the hard work of law enforcement partners, stating that the sentences sent a clear message about the U.S. justice system’s determination to bring violent criminals to justice. Joseph González of the FBI San Juan Field Office commended the dedication of all those involved in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Zenón-Matos, Alberto López-Rocafort, Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández, and G played pivotal roles in the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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