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Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Nancy Vélez-Arroyo, Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors of Doral Bank was indicted on November 18, 2015, for obstruction of justice and knowingly making false statements while under oath and testifying before a federal grand jury, announced U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico.
The indictment includes three perjury charges and two obstruction of justice charges. During her testimony before the grand jury, Nancy Vélez-Arroyo disavowed her involvement in a vendor’s contract with Doral Bank, its terms, payment schedule, and the participants involved in a scheme to defraud. However, e-mails, telephone records, and other evidence showed that Vélez-Arroyo had, not only knowledge, but played an active role and participated in those dealings. Rather than provide complete and truthful testimony before the grand jury, Vélez-Arroyo endeavored to corruptly influence, obstruct, and impede the federal investigation.
“It is alleged that the defendant concealed information regarding an investigation about bank fraud, embezzlement, wire fraud, and money laundering, by making false statements under oath during grand jury proceedings,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Lying to the grand jury, concealing information, and obstructing a federal investigation undermine the public’s trust in the criminal justice system and will not be tolerated. The Department will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who seek to cover up or obstruct a federal investigation.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Cass, Héctor Ramírez-Carbó and George A. Massucco.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a jury of her peers.