Today, a man from Puerto Rico was sentenced to 14 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and fined $10,000 for violating the Clean Water Act by destroying wetlands.

This case highlights a serious breach of environmental laws and underscores the ongoing efforts to protect vital natural resources.

The Illegal Actions of Awildo Jimenez-Mercado

Awildo Jimenez-Mercado, aged 41, was found guilty of removing mangroves from wetlands within the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) in Las Mareas, Puerto Rico.

Between January 2020 and December 2023, he carried out these activities without a permit.

He filled the wetlands with quarry material and constructed concrete structures on top.

Jimenez-Mercado then developed the land into rental properties, including an in-ground pool and a dock extending into the Caribbean Sea.

He named the property “Hidden Paradise” and rented out the units as vacation rentals for up to $495 per night.

He was indicted on December 6, 2023, and entered a guilty plea on May 3.

The Importance of Mangrove Wetlands

Mangrove wetlands, such as those affected by Jimenez-Mercado’s actions, play a crucial role in supporting local infrastructure, economies, and ecosystems.

They help mitigate flood and storm damage, reduce pollution, and provide habitats for many marine and endangered species.

The JBNERR, designated as a reserve in 1981, aims to protect these wetlands, study their biological and societal impacts, and offer recreational and educational opportunities to local communities.

It is home to endangered species like the brown pelican, peregrine falcon, hawksbill turtle, and West Indian manatee.

Legal Framework and Ongoing Investigations

The Clean Water Act, enacted by Congress in 1972, is designed to safeguard the waters of the United States.

It prohibits the discharge of pollutants and fill materials into these waters without proper authorization.

This case is part of a broader investigation into wetland destruction in Puerto Rico.

Other individuals charged in related cases include Luis Enrique Rodriguez-Sanchez, sentenced in June; Pedro Luis Bones-Torres, who is set to be sentenced on November 7; and Rafael Carballo-Diaz and Nathaniel Hernandez-Claudio, scheduled for sentencing on September 13.

The Role of Law Enforcement

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force were involved in investigating this case.

Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe are handling the prosecution.

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