Former youth care worker Merice Perez Colon, 35, of Homestead, Florida, has been charged with attempting to coerce a minor into illegal sexual activities and producing child pornography. The charges come as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
According to acting United States Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg, such shelters are meant to be safe havens for unaccompanied minors arriving in the United States without adult supervision. Colon, who was employed at an emergency influx shelter in Homestead, is accused of violating this trust.
HHS-OIG Special Agent Shimon R. Richmond emphasized the necessity for youth workers and caretakers to protect children under their care. Richmond vowed to bring justice to those who exploit minors by violating their position of trust.
ICE-HSI Special Agent Mark Selby echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that HSI is dedicated to bringing predators like Colon to justice and encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child exploitation and abuse launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. If convicted, Colon could face life imprisonment.
The investigation into this matter was led by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Kobrinski. More information on this case can be found on the District Court for the Southern District of Florida’s website at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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