The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently upheld a decision made by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) regarding inmate Geovanny Ortiz Pérez’s claim for the return of personal property. The ruling, issued on April 23, 2026, confirmed that the DCR acted within its authority when it determined that no belongings were available for Ortiz Pérez. This decision affects inmates and their families, particularly concerning the retrieval of personal items purchased while incarcerated.
The case stems from Ortiz Pérez's request for an administrative remedy filed on January 16, 2026. He claimed that certain items he purchased from the prison commissary had not been returned to him. The DCR responded on February 19, 2026, stating that during a specified period, family members were allowed to bring items to inmates. However, they later clarified that no belongings were registered under Ortiz Pérez’s name. This led Ortiz Pérez to file a request for reconsideration, which the DCR modified but ultimately upheld its original decision.
In his appeal, Ortiz Pérez argued that the DCR had made several errors, including not following established regulations regarding property removal, failing to notify him about the opportunity to retrieve his belongings, and disregarding evidence he provided, such as receipts for the items purchased. He contended that the DCR's actions violated his rights and the rules governing inmate property.
The court, led by Judge Monge Gómez, reviewed the appeal and the DCR's actions. It concluded that the agency's decision was reasonable and within its authority. The court noted, "the Recurrente did not provide sufficient evidence to defeat the presumption of correctness that is afforded to administrative decisions." The ruling emphasized that the DCR had acted appropriately by requesting specific information from Ortiz Pérez to facilitate an investigation into his claims.
The court's decision is significant as it reinforces the principle that administrative agencies, such as the DCR, possess a presumption of legality and correctness in their decisions. The ruling also highlights the importance of providing adequate evidence when challenging administrative determinations. The judges involved in the ruling included Rivera Colón, Monge Gómez, and Prats Palerm.
The impact of this ruling extends to other inmates and their families who may face similar situations regarding property retrieval. It sets a precedent that emphasizes the need for inmates to provide clear and substantial evidence when disputing administrative decisions. This case illustrates the challenges that inmates may encounter in navigating the complexities of prison regulations and administrative processes.
Looking ahead, it is unclear whether Ortiz Pérez will appeal the decision further. The court filing did not indicate any related cases pending or additional actions planned by Ortiz Pérez. The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal frameworks surrounding inmate rights and the operations of correctional facilities in Puerto Rico.