A former officer of the Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau, Antonio Pizarro Adorno, has been found guilty of corruption by a federal jury. The trial, which lasted five days, concluded with the conviction of Pizarro Adorno for concealing $170 during a law enforcement seizure. The case was overseen by United States District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé.
The incident in question occurred on April 27, 2023. Evidence presented at the trial showed that Pizarro Adorno took $170 in cash seized by the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. This act was intended to impair its integrity and availability for an investigation being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives related to drug trafficking in San Juan.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow commented on the case: “The vast majority of law enforcement officers serve the community with honor and valor,” adding that those who do not will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, stated: “Every act of corruption, big or small, weakens the foundation of justice, and we will not tolerate it.” He emphasized that accountability is crucial regardless of circumstances or amounts involved.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI San Juan Field Office's Public Corruption Unit with assistance from both Homeland Security and ATF agents. Pizarro Adorno could face up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on June 10, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy led the prosecution in this case.