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Press Release

Jose E. Toledo-Bayouth Arrested For Drug Trafficking

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, United States Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin authorized a criminal complaint against José E. Toledo-Bayouth for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

According to the criminal complaint, on or about January 10, 2013, Toledo-Bayouth met a confidential source in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, for the purpose of negotiating the purchase of multiple kilograms of cocaine for delivery in Puerto Rico and its subsequent resale in the Continental United States.  Several meetings took place between the confidential source and Toledo-Bayouth between January 10, 2013 and February 9, 2013 in locations throughout the San Juan metropolitan area, where they discussed the conditions for the purchase of approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine.

During the meetings, Toledo-Bayouth offered his late father’s farm located in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico as a location to stash and conceal multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine.  Toledo-Bayouth indicated that the farm was equipped with empty water tanks which could be used to store drugs.  The defendant also indicated to the confidential source not to worry about the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”) because the PRPD could only enter the first part of the farm and the security systems installed therein made it impossible for PRPD to access the main house in the farm.

On February 9, 2013, the defendant agreed to receive the 25 kilograms of cocaine from the confidential source on February 13, 2013, right outside of the front gate to the farm.  Toledo-Bayouth was then to transport the 25 kilograms of cocaine to an unknown subject who was going to be waiting for the contraband inside of the farm, and Toledo-Bayouth would make a payment to the confidential source for the 25 kilograms of cocaine within five days of the delivery of the contraband.

On February 13, 2013, the defendantmet the confidential source right outside of the front gate to the farm and received a bag containing 25 kilograms of purported cocaine. He was then followed by the DEA agents into the farm and placed under arrest.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dennise N. Longo.  If convicted the defendant could face up to life in prison.  Criminal complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt.  Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Updated April 14, 2015