Individual Indicted For Hobbs Act And Carjacking

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Today, William Santiago-Reyes was arrested for carjacking, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two Hobbs Act violations, one which resulted in murder, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. William Santiago-Reyes was indicted on November 5, 2013.

On or about May 5, 2012, the defendant did unlawfully take approximately $18,970.07 from the Plaza Loíza Supermarket, located in Carolina, PR, from the person and presence of employees and representatives of Plaza Loíza, by threatening the employees and representative victims with a firearm, that is a Colt revolver 38 caliber, and shooting and killing a security guard referred to as NMB, who had been contracted to pick up the money that was the object of the robbery at Plaza Loíza, and safely deliver it to its destination.

According to the information contained in the indictment that was unsealed today, on May 3, 2012, Santiago-Reyes, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, did intentionally take a motor vehicle from the victim TRR, that is, a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, which had been transported, shipped or received in interstate commerce, by force, violence and intimidation with a gray revolver of unknown make and caliber.

On May 4, 2012, Santiago-Reyes did unlawfully take approximately $397.00 from Island Finance, located in Trujillo Alto by threatening the employees at gunpoint.

“This defendant carried out two Hobbs Act violations, one which resulted in the death of an innocent security guard, and a carjacking against a defenseless victim,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  “I commend our law enforcement partners who tirelessly investigated this matter, for their persistence and dedication to the cause of justice. This individual will no longer have the ability to terrorize the law-abiding citizens of Puerto Rico and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”