Ramon Antonio del Rosario Puente, better known as Tono Lena, left court in Puerto Rico following a hearing behind closed doors, on Wednesday, 16 October and when close to his family lifted up his handcuffed hands yelling triumphantly “72 months”.
On 12 July 2012, Rosario Puente pleaded guilty in relation to a charge of importing five kilograms or more of cocaine and a kilogram or more of heroin.
According the El Nuevo Dia newspaper he pleaded guilty following a deal with the Public Prosecution service, although the details are confidential.
No members of the prosecution team, or the lawyer for the accused answered questions from the media. The family waiting outside would also not answer questions, just saying that they were hoping for a sentence of no more than two years.
Tono Lena, also known as El Palo, El Tronco and El Bate, was extradited to Puerto Rico in December last year.
A story in El Dia observes that Dominicans who have been extradited on drug charges to the United States have been able to reach deals for lenient sentences and have been able to keep their large fortunes.
Toño Leña salió jubiloso del Tribunal Federal en Puerto Rico