SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 21, 2026, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Barbaro José Del Valle-De Paula, 64 years old, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and firearms offenses, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, from April 29, 2026 through May 13, 2026, defendant Del Valle-De Paula, conspired with other persons to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) at Las Gardenias Public Housing Project, and within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public or private school and playground. Del Valle-De Paula was arrested on May 13, 2026, in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The defendant made his initial court appearance May 14, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment and maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Michael Mayer, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Puerto Rico Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney José A. Contreras is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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