US Gov’t may go after assets of F.F.B. Vice President

Rawell Pelayo

The case of the United States of America versus Rawel Pelayo, also known as Berto, has been growing for at least four years.  Pelayo and others are accused of “intentionally and knowingly did combine, conspire, confederate and agree together and with each other to violate the narcotics law of the United States.” Count one of the indictment alleges that Pelayo and the others that they have identified imported five kilograms of cocaine into the U.S.  That’s a small amount for trafficking, but the indictment further states that on December thirtieth, 2010, Pelayo participated in a discussion with the others to send a quantity of cocaine to New York. If he is convicted of the controlled substance offense, Pelayo’s property could be seized. The indictment says the defendant shall forfeit to the United States property obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation and all property used or intended to be used to commit and facilitate the commission of the narcotics violation alleged in the indictment. The forfeiture can also include cash from proceeds obtained as a result of the controlled substance offense. The long arms of the U.S. would also extend to assets gained through legal means. The Substitute Asset Provision section of the document states that if the assets gained by narcotics transactions have been disposed beyond the jurisdiction of the U.S. court, it would seek forfeiture of other assets that belong to Pelayo. The charges were filed by Preet Bharara, an attorney at the U.S. Southern District Court of New York on April twelfth, 2012. More than a year after Pelayo made the fateful trip to the U.S.A. to follow the national football team, as the vice president of the Football Federation of Belize.