Carlos J. Báez Merced, a 49-year-old resident of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, is facing criminal charges for events that took place on road PR-797 in the Pajilla sector of the Jagüeyes barrio in Aguas Buenas. According to the investigation, on February 19, 2025, Báez Merced received from an 86-year-old citizen a red 1970 Jeep Truck along with a personal check for $12,000 to restore the vehicle.
The complainant alleged that the mechanic did not perform the work he was hired to do, and the vehicle was recovered dismantled. Prosecutor Fernando Machado filed charges against him for illegal appropriation of a vehicle, abuse of an elderly person, aggravated illegal appropriation, aggravated damage, fraud, failure to comply with certificates and payment of the municipal patent, and practicing automotive mechanics without a license.
Judge Karina Díaz Pérez found probable cause for arrest and set bail at $25,000, which Báez Merced posted; he was fingerprinted and released on provisional liberty with electronic monitoring. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for November 5. Agent Katherine Goglas, under the supervision of Sergeant Roberto Rodríguez, both assigned to the Stolen Vehicles Division in the Caguas area, investigated the complaint.