Six Individuals Sentenced for Drug Trafficking, Firearms Violations, and Murder

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The last defendant prosecuted in the case for drug trafficking, firearms violations and various murders, including the murder of banker Maurice Spagnoletti, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison and eight years of supervised release. Alex Burgos-Amaro pleaded guilty to Count one and two of the indictment on December 27, 2023.

On June 5, the following three individuals were sentenced to life in prison:

Luis Carmona-Bernacet, a.k.a. “Canito Cumbre” was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in the murder of William Castro-Vidot.

Yadiel Serrano-Canales, a.k.a. “Motombo” was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti.

Rolando Rivera-Solis was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti.

On March 11, 2024, Alan Lugo-Montalvo was sentenced to 360 months (30 years) in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and Fabiany Almestica-Monge was sentenced to 540 months (45 years) in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. All defendants were convicted by a jury on May 11, 2023.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, since the year 2000 and continuing up to 2014, in the municipalities of San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Guaynabo, and Bayamón, the defendants were members of an enterprise engaged in murder and drug trafficking.

On May 11, 2023, four defendants were found guilty of using firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.  One defendant was found guilty with counseling, commanding, inducing and procuring each other to carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and in the course of that crime, causing the death of William Castro on December 30, 2002. In regard to the murder of Maurice Spagnoletti, defendants Serrano-Canales and Rivera-Solis aided and abetted each other with counseling, commanding, inducing and procuring each other to carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and in the course of that crime, causing the death of Maurice Spagnoletti.

“The successful prosecution of the defendants’ heinous crimes was the result of exhaustive investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The sentences imposed send a message that the U.S. justice system remains a powerful tool to bring perpetrators of violent crime to justice and closure to victims’ families.”

“It has been a long and arduous investigative and judicial process and these sentencings serve as a testament to the undying dedication of the FBI agents, prosecutors, police officers, and all the brave citizens who worked together to ensure justice was served,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “We continue to stand steadfastly with the victims’ loved ones and thank the US Attorney’s Office for believing in the case and fighting alongside us to bring justice to these grieving families.”

The FBI investigated the case with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Zenón-Matos, Alberto López-Rocafort, Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández, and Gregory Conner prosecuted the case.

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