Feds target MLB pitcher Livan Hernandez, other celebrities in drug money laundering operation

El Vocero (Translation) ^ | 4/27/2011 | Melissa Correa Velazquez

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SAN JUAN, PR – Washington National’s pitcher Liván Hernández is the target of a federal probe for allegedly laundering money on behalf of convicted drug trafficker Angel Ayala Vázquez, aka “El Buster”. EL VOCERO sources indicated that the investigation started some time ago and mentioned that other high profile figureheads are also targets in addition to those already named in the trial against “El Buster” and his brother Luis Xadiel Cruz Vázquez. These people face money laundering and bank fraud charges.

According to the sources, the Cuban pitcher testified in relation to this case before a Grand Jury in the summer of 2009.

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DEA Special Agent Pedro Janer added that “we are in constant communication with and are receiving the cooperation of Major League Baseball, which has a great relationship with federal agencies. We are going to explore all the possible angles so that no person involved with this organization evades justice”.

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When asked by the press if Liván Hernández could face criminal charges, U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez replied that “time will tell. The answer is yes, that is correct.”

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During Ayala’s trial, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents declared that a wharehouse and a collection of exotic cars like Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and Porsches where all registered to the Major League pitcher. Part of the evidence was illustrated by U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood who showed pictures of the wharehouse interior located in Reparto Valencia, Bayamón (Puerto Rico) which was raided by DEA and FBI agents in June of 2009. The property had a sophisticated recording studio, offices, marble bathrooms, a gym, a barbershop, a mechanics shop, among other luxuries.

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A major Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico/U.S. East Coast drug trafficking operation was disrupted with the arrest of Ayala's gang. The trial at the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico concluded yesterday with the conviction of Ayala and his brother. Several cohorts of Ayala had already pleaded guilty and testified for the government.

A number of Puerto Rican celebrities have been linked to the operation through cash payments made by Ayala for their performances at lavish parties that he sponsored for the residents of a housing project in Puerto Rico. The feds are suggesting that many other yet-to-be-named PR and U.S. mainland high profile individuals were involved in the money laundering and bank fraud parts of the operation.

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Puerto Rico Ping! Please Freepmail me if you want on or off the list.

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Thanks for bumping this. It got buried under the BC frenzy.

[VanShuyten]

Hernandez isn’t bad, but there’s no way he’s worth a Lamborghini.