Individual Sentenced To 62 Years In Prison For Rico Act Violations

SAN JUAN, P.R. –Carlos E. López-Soto, a.k.a. “Chemito” was sentenced to 744 months (62 years), in prison and 5 years of supervised release for his participation in a gang that committed fourteen (14) armed robberies in Puerto Rico announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

On December 19, 2016, a jury convicted Carlos López-Soto of a RICO conspiracy, two Hobbs Act robberies and related firearm offenses for his role in this gang. The evidence at trial revealed that the purpose of the criminal enterprise was to enrich its members and associates. To accomplish this, the members of the organization would: (1) commit armed robberies during which, through the use of force, violence, and intimidation, they would take money, electronics, and other property from persons and businesses, (2) pool resources in order to accomplish the robberies, (3) use guns to commit the robberies, (4) have a getaway driver for the robberies, (5) sell the items that were obtained from the robberies, and (6) share the proceeds of the robberies. The members of this organization were responsible for fourteen (14) armed robberies to persons, businesses, and street vendors. Through these robberies, defendants were able to obtain at least eighty-thousand dollars ($80,000.00) in profits. The other members of the organization were convicted after pleading guilty to the charges filed against them.

United States District Court Judge Daniel Domínguez presided over the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández and Kelly Zenón-Matos. The FBI was in charge of the investigation.