Puerto Rican Man Convicted for Aiding Prison Gang Los 27 in Illegal Firearms Sales
San Juan, Puerto Rico - Héctor Kalie Figueroa-Marbelt has been convicted by a federal jury for his role in assisting a member of the Los 27 prison gang with engaging in the illegal sale of firearms without a license. The trial revealed Figueroa-Marbelt's involvement in supporting the gang's criminal activities, including murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and firearms trafficking.
Los 27, operating within Puerto Rican prisons through illegally obtained cellphones, conducted various criminal enterprises to generate revenue. Figueroa-Marbelt played a crucial role in aiding Los 27 in firearms trafficking, specifically acting as the "outside person" for Victor Elias-Boza, known as "Grilla," a key contact for firearms within the gang.
Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Elias-Boza brokered the sale of a firearm from prison, with Figueroa-Marbelt facilitating the delivery of the weapon. In December 2019, Figueroa-Marbelt delivered a firearm intended for sale to another Los 27 member, illustrating his readiness to engage in firearms trafficking for profit. Figueroa-Marbelt possessed multiple firearms for sale and expressed his willingness to sell more.
In September 2021, Figueroa-Marbelt was arrested by the FBI, and authorities seized eight firearms, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and money in his possession. The investigation also uncovered firearm parts, accessories, and tools indicating Figueroa-Marbelt's capability to manufacture additional firearms. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of up to three years.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández led the prosecution in the case.
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