Roberto Rodríguez Soto, a 60-year-old resident of Aguadilla, has been charged with illegal appropriation, fraud, and possession and transfer of false documents under the Puerto Rico Penal Code. According to the investigation, on August 6, 2026, at approximately 8:35 a.m., Cristina Duarte gave a $11.50 check to Roberto Villalba Morell as payment for metal purchases.
Rodríguez Soto allegedly altered the check to reflect $7,150 and presented it at a Banco Popular branch in Aguadilla's Base Ramey, where he received the corresponding amount. The police obtained information through judicial requirements and collected evidence that linked Rodríguez Soto to the transaction. Prosecutor Shaquille Mercado Rivera presented the evidence to Judge Jaileen González, who determined cause for arrest and set a $5,000 global bond.
Rodríguez Soto posted bail and was released until further judicial proceedings. The investigation was led by Agent Damián Ríos Rodríguez under the supervision of Sergeant Joel Vargas Barreto and the direction of Lieutenant Orlando Adames Cardona.