The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has upheld a disciplinary ruling against inmate Héctor Mercado Cuevas for violating prison regulations by possessing a cell phone. The court's decision, issued on April 16, 2026, confirms the actions taken by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) and emphasizes the importance of maintaining order within correctional facilities.

This ruling affects Mercado Cuevas, who was found with a cell phone containing unauthorized images and access to social media accounts while incarcerated. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of managing contraband in prisons and the legal rights of inmates facing disciplinary actions.

Background

The parties involved in this case are Héctor Mercado Cuevas, the appellant, and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the appellee. Mercado Cuevas was serving time in the Bayamón Correctional Institution when he was found in possession of a prohibited item—a cell phone. This incident occurred during a routine search of his cell on November 4, 2025, when officials discovered the phone, which contained various personal media and active social media accounts.

Following the discovery, the DCR filed a disciplinary report against Mercado Cuevas, citing violations of specific codes in the DCR's regulations. These violations included possessing and using a cell phone within the correctional facility, which is strictly prohibited. Mercado Cuevas was notified of the charges and a disciplinary hearing was scheduled for January 14, 2026, where he denied the allegations but did not present any evidence in his defense.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Rivera Torres, affirmed the DCR's decision, stating, "The evidence presented during the administrative hearing was sufficient to support the disciplinary action taken against Mercado Cuevas." The court emphasized that the DCR had followed the proper procedures in handling the case, including notifying Mercado Cuevas of the charges against him and conducting a hearing.

In its opinion, the court noted that Mercado Cuevas had been given adequate information regarding the charges and had sufficient time to prepare his defense. The ruling stated, "The disciplinary process adhered to the requirements of due process, and the sanctions imposed were justified based on the evidence presented." The court concluded that the DCR's actions were not arbitrary or unreasonable, thus upholding the disciplinary measures imposed on Mercado Cuevas.

Impact

This ruling reinforces the authority of correctional facilities to maintain order and discipline among inmates. It sets a precedent that supports the enforcement of prison regulations regarding contraband and the use of technology within correctional institutions. The decision serves as a reminder that inmates have limited rights concerning items they can possess while incarcerated, and violations can lead to significant disciplinary actions.

The ruling may also impact how other inmates approach their rights and defenses in similar disciplinary cases. It highlights the importance of being aware of prison regulations and the potential consequences of violating them. The court's affirmation of the DCR's procedures may deter future violations and encourage compliance with institutional rules.

What's Next

While Mercado Cuevas can seek further legal recourse, including potential appeals to higher courts, the ruling from the Court of Appeals stands as the current legal precedent. There are no indications of related cases pending that would affect this ruling.