DOJ Halted Drugs-for-Votes Investigation Under Trump
Prosecutors said the indictment still described a drugs-for-votes scheme involving 34 inmates and associates, but included no charges on the ballot coercion.
4 Articles
4 Articles
DOJ halted drugs-for-votes investigation under Trump
To the narcotics agents investigating drug smuggling in Puerto Rico prisons, it seemed at first like a typical scheme: associates of an inmate gang sneaking drugs into the prison, gang members distributing them inside and bank records showing the money flowing. Then the agents discovered something unusual. Leaders of the prison gang known as Los Tiburones, or the Sharks, were selling drugs to inmates not only for money, but for their votes. Spec…
According to a ProPublica investigation, federal prosecutors found that a gang gave drugs to inmates in exchange for votes in favor of Jenniffer González. In 2025, the lead prosecutor reportedly received orders to halt the investigation.
Prosecutors Had a Drugs-for-Votes Scheme 'Locked Up.' Then the Trump DOJ Stepped In.
Before the 2024 election, federal prosecutors were "full steam ahead" looking into how a prison gang in Puerto Rico gave drugs to inmates if they voted for a GOP gubernatorial candidate. After Trump’s election, the investigation evaporated.
Prosecutors Had a Drugs-for-Votes Scheme “Locked Up.” Under Trump, They Were Told Not to Pursue Charges.
By Raquel Rutledge. This story was originally published by ProPublica. To the narcotics agents investigating drug smuggling in Puerto Rico prisons, it seemed at first like a typical scheme: associates of an inmate gang sneaking drugs into the prison, gang members distributing them inside and bank records showing the money flowing. Then the agents discovered something unusual. Leaders of the prison gang known as Los Tiburones, or the Sharks, were…
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