A man from Puerto Rico was sentenced to 32 months on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Monday.
Julio Soto Robles, 34, was sentenced Friday to 32 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 735 grams of cocaine, according to the release.
On Aug. 24, 2022, Soto Robles pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute
cocaine.
According to court records, on Aug. 18, 2020, Soto Robles and a co-traveler, Gregory Vega, arrived at Cyril E. King Airport from Puerto Rico with no luggage. During a primary inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Soto Robles was found to be in possession of approximately $11,000 in U.S. currency. Soto Robles told CBP officers that the money was to pay for the surgery of a relative named Rafaela. Soto Robles further stated that he never met this relative and only knew her as “Tia Abuela.” On August 20, 2020, Soto Robles and his co-traveler returned to the Cyril E. King airport and attempted to board a flight to Puerto Rico. During secondary inspection, CBP officers searched a suitcase that the two men were carrying and discovered three separate bundles of cocaine, the release stated.
The case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne.