Individuals Charged with Conspiracy with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Kidnapping

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 17, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging eight individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and five of those defendants with kidnapping, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office.

The eight defendants are: Bryan Martínez-Albizu, FNU / LNU #1, FNU / LNU #2 (a/k/a Richard), FNU / LNU #3 (a/k/a Rochi), FNU / LNU #4, FNU / LNU #5, Santiago Nieves-Hernández, and Yoel Gómez-Gómez. A copy of the indictment is attached and the indictment includes photographs of the FNU / LNU (First Name Unknown / Last Name Unknown) defendants.

As alleged in the indictment, beginning on or about May 20, 2025, and continuing to on or about May 24, 2025, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendants, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed together and with each other, and with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit the following offense against the United States: to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Furthermore, on or about May 21, 2025, the defendants, FNU / LNU #1, FNU / LNU #2 (a/k/a Richard), FNU / LNU #3 (a/k/a Rochi), FNU / LNU #4, and FNU / LNU #5, aiding and abetting each other and others, did unlawfully and willfully seize, confine, kidnap and abduct, and otherwise hold, S.N.H. and Y.G.G. for ransom. In committing and in furtherance of the commission of the kidnapping, the defendants used a means, facility, and instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce, namely a Toyota RAV4, a Nissan SUV, and cellular telephones.

“These defendants will be brought to justice through the hard work of federal and state law enforcement agents and our prosecutors,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “The actions by those drug traffickers involved in the kidnapping and brutal torture of the kidnapped victims have no place in civilized society and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our office and law enforcement partners rely on those in our community who are willing to assist in making our streets safer. Anyone with information regarding the defendants charged in this case should contact the FBI.”

“This case shows the brutal violence that thrives in criminal networks—and how far they’ll go to harm even their own. What started as a failed drug deal became a gruesome kidnapping,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Whatever the threat, the FBI responds with urgency because every life matters. I’m proud of the brave agents who risked their lives and the investigative team who unraveled this case. Let this be a warning to the thugs: the FBI won’t be fooled, and we’ll use every resource to dismantle you and your crew. Operation Summer Heat should’ve made that clear. If it didn’t—here’s your reminder: If you terrorize our communities or think you can outsmart justice, you’re wrong. We’re coming.”

If convicted on the drug conspiracy charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum sentence of forty years in prison. Those defendants charged with kidnapping face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Julian Radzinschi of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###