Stockwell, 56, who is from Illinois, was arrested Wednesday as part of an investigation supported by intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

After his release, Stockwell, who owns a company that organizes large-scale entertainment events, posted a brief statement on social media saying he was prepared to face the legal proceedings, which he considers a misunderstanding.

“It’s been a pretty tough day,” Stockwell said. “I want to thank everyone for all the good wishes. I’m home now, ready to fight this misunderstanding.”

The first hearing to ask a judge to impose precautionary measures on Stockwell and 18 other defendants was scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m., according to the officers.

However, the hearing did not begin because the defendants’ attorneys asked the court for additional time to review the case file, citing the complexity of the case and the large volume of documents involved, authorities said in a statement.

The Criminal Court rescheduled the hearing for Monday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. Stockwell and the other suspects are expected to attend at the court facilities in San José.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office said authorities could seek pretrial detention as a precautionary measure if any of the suspects fail to appear at the hearing. Such detention could remain in effect during the legal proceedings.

Authorities also emphasized that Stockwell and the other defendants must continue participating in the judicial proceedings despite being allowed to remain free.

Officers identified Stockwell and 18 other individuals as the main suspects in the case. They are identified by the surnames Benavides, Stockwell, Agüero, Madriz, Hernández, Pérez, Víquez, García, Quirós, Chacón, Oviedo, Pana, Alfaro, Berrocal, Arrieta, Solano, Acuña, Harley and Quirós.

According to information provided to the press by Attorney General Carlo Díaz-Sánchez and Michael Soto-Rojas, director general of the Judicial Investigation Organization, or OIJ, the investigation indicates that Stockwell allegedly received large sums of money from a Costa Rican identified by the surname Vargas-García.

Authorities said Vargas-García has been in custody since January 2025 on suspicion of leading a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

Investigators suspect the group used several activities to launder money, including producing large-scale entertainment events, buying and selling cattle, making private loans and engaging in other commercial activities.

Following an investigation and surveillance operation, OIJ investigators collected evidence indicating that Vargas-García allegedly invested large amounts of money believed to have originated from drug trafficking in large-scale entertainment events organized by Stockwell’s company.

Authorities believe the investments were made in cash before Vargas-García was arrested.

Officials also said the criminal group allegedly led by Vargas-García was involved in melting gold pieces and sending them to the United States.

The Public Prosecutor's Office did not release additional details about the case, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. Only the suspects’ relatives are authorized to request further information.

Authorities urged the public to report suspected drug trafficking or money laundering. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the 10-digit line 800-8000-645 or the short number 1176. Bilingual agents are available to assist callers in English and Spanish.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office directs criminal investigations and prosecutes criminal cases throughout Costa Rica.

The OIJ operates under the Supreme Court of Justice and is responsible for conducting criminal investigations nationwide. It also exercises police authority throughout the country.

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