Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
HECTOR E. GUZMAN, JR.FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERDISTRICT OF PUERTO RICO
241 F.D. ROOSEVELT AVENUESAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00918
TELEPHONE (787) 281-4922FACSIMILE (787) 281-4899
For immediate release
PRESS RELEASE
JOSÉ R. ORTIZ-RIJOS (PICULÍN ORTIZ) IS NOT
A GOVERNMENT COOPERATING WITNESS
San Juan, Puerto Rico (August 1, 2011) — In recent days, there have been media reports and
allegations, in particular from the entertainment news show Super Exclusivo, that Mr. Piculín Ortiz
may be cooperating with the government. Additionally, information has surfaced to the effect that
Hogar Santísima Trinidad, a center dedicated to the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from
addiction to narcotics, is in fact a witness protection program center.
It should be clarified that Piculín has not agreed, nor is he contemplating entering into an
agreement to cooperate with the United States government or any law enforcement agency. While
it is the policy of the Office of the Federal Public Defender (FPDO) not to disseminate information
on open and pending cases, given the implications for the safety and security of a client and his
family, Mr. Hector E. Guzman, Jr., Federal Public Defender for the District of Puerto Rico has
authorized the present press release.
In addition, the FPDO received a call from Mr. Angel Colón, director of Hogar Santísima
Trinidad, concerned about allegations that the rehabilitation center he runs has been described as a
witness protection center. While it is neither confirmed nor denied that Piculín Ortiz is currently
housed at Hogar Santísima Trinidad, Mr. Colón wishes to clarify that the center he is the director of
is not and has never been a witness protection program center.
Safeguarding the Rights of the Defendant
Page 2
The information disseminated suggesting that Pículin Ortiz is a government witness or that
Hogar Santísima Trinidad is a witness protection program is incorrect. The FPDO respectfully
requests that the media take note of the above.
Contact:
Hector L. Ramos-Vega, Esq.Assistant Federal Public DefenderDistrict of Puerto [email protected]
# # #
Safeguarding the Rights of the Defendant
