Carjacking/Rapist Found Guilty By A Jury

SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, Carlos Cruz-Rivera, aka “Cano Llorens,” was found guilty on all counts of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (carjacking) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Judge José A. Fusté presided over the trial. The convict had pled guilty to three counts of carjacking in the same accusation on October 6, 2015.

On September 9, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count superseding indictment charging a Cruz-Rivera with three counts of carjacking, three counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

During the three day trial, the government presented pictures and witness’ testimonies that narrated the criminal incidents of rape, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery that that the defendant perpetrated against the innocent victims. 

“I commend the victims who came forward in order to seek justice and hope that this conviction will help them to start the healing process,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “My office will continue to work diligently with our partners in law enforcement to track down and prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega, Supervisor of the Violent Crimes Unit and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Zenon. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of up life in prison. The sentence was scheduled for January 14, 2016.