24 Marketplace co-founder takes charge under Chapter 11
RB Marketplace Inc., the company behind 24 Marketplace, an establishment that includes a convenience store, restaurant and bar in Hato Rey, announced a leadership change and corporate restructuring this week as its co-founder, Claribel Báez de Jesús, assumes control of operations during its financial reorganization and a separate federal corruption case involving 24 Marketplace’s president and treasurer.
Báez de Jesús, who helped establish the business, said the move marks the beginning of a new chapter for the location, which has operated near the federal court in Hato Rey for years and she describes as a gathering place for sports, dining and nightlife. She said the business will continue operating normally as it restructures under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, for which it filed earlier this week.
“This is a moment of positive transformation for our company,” Báez de Jesús said. “We are reorganizing our operations to become more efficient, resilient and innovative, with a clear vision for growth, continuity and confidence in the future.”
She said the company is working to strengthen its finances while expanding its services and staying open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays and until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Báez de Jesús emphasized that the restructuring is designed to stabilize operations and protect the jobs of more than 30 employees who depend on the business.
“As both a mother and an entrepreneur, I am deeply committed to advancing this business for the benefit of our team members and their families,” she said.
The restructuring comes less than a month after the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced a federal indictment charging two Treasury Department officials, 10 individuals and 14 companies with participating in a long-running bribery and wire fraud scheme that allegedly erased more than $3.5 million in tax debts.
Indictment lists companies tied to president’s tax case
Among the 24 defendants is César Rodríguez-Nieves, president and treasurer of 24 Marketplace Inc. The indictment charges several corporations tied to Rodríguez-Nieves, including 24 Marketplace Inc., A La Silla LLC and RB Marketplace Inc. The filing does not charge 24 Marketplace’s employees or co-founder Claribel Báez de Jesús.
According to prosecutors, Rodríguez-Nieves allegedly worked through an intermediary identified in court filings as “Person A” to make illicit payments to Treasury officials Javier Relta-Lebrón and Harry E. Muriel-Falero, who are accused of altering tax records to eliminate debts, create false credits and reduce obligations for dozens of individuals and businesses.
Court documents allege that Rodríguez-Nieves paid nearly $17,000 in bribes to erase more than $214,000 in tax debts tied to his companies. Prosecutors also say he facilitated similar treatment for an acquaintance, resulting in additional losses of $457,118 to the government. Among the messages cited in the indictment is a request from Rodríguez-Nieves to remove a $55,574 sales tax debt for A la Silla LLC.
If convicted, the individuals charged with wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy face up to 20 years in prison. The investigation remains ongoing.
As the federal case proceeds, Báez de Jesús said she remains focused on keeping 24 Marketplace operating without interruption.
“Thank you for believing in us,” she said. “Your support drives us to keep evolving and delivering the best of what we have to offer.”
