Man Convicted of Assaulting Costa Rican Diplomat During Robbery

Defendant Accused Of Assaulting The Consul General Of Costa Rica In Puerto Rico Found Guilty

On August 4, 2005, the Consul General of Costa Rica in Puerto Rico was assaulted and robbed as she prepared to leave the Total gas station owned by her husband. This assault occurred in the presence of her 10 year old step-daughter. Charged with these offenses were Salvi Rafael Benitez-Avila, Tania M. Rosario-Agosto, and Jared Joshua Perez-Castro.

On July 23,2007, after a six-day jury trial, defendant Salvi Rafael Benitez-Avila was found guilty by a jury of the 8 counts in the indictment. The indictment charged with the following violations: Conspiracy to assault a foreign official, interfere with interstate commerce and the use of a firearm to carry out both offenses.

Defendants Tania M. Rosario-Agosto, and Jared Joshua Perez-Castro pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 41 and 57 months of imprisonment, respectively.

Benitez-Avila is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, 2007, and is facing a prison term of no less than 14 years.

The case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service, the FBI, and the Puerto Rico Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Mosley.

Contact:
Darby Holladay
Bureau of Diplomatic Security
571-345-2507
HolladayDG@state.gov

Nedy A. Carrillo
U.S. Attorney's Office
Deputy Press Officer
787-282-1914