A shocking case of child exploitation has come to light in Lares, Puerto Rico, with the indictment and arrest of Pastor Emmanuel Morales-Hernández, 29.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Morales-Hernández knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a 16-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity in November and December 2021.
The defendant, a well-known pastor in Lares and Utuado, utilized his position of public trust to prey on the minor, making him the victim of child exploitation.
“The defendant used his position of trust in his community to prey on a minor, making him the victim of child exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “If you are a victim or know of another victim of this individual, please come forward; contact the authorities so we can protect you and others from these crimes. We want the community to know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal, state and local partners, are committed to protecting children from these criminals.”
Morales-Hernández was arrested at his residence without incident and is being held at the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting the outcome of his case.
If convicted, Morales-Hernández faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison for the enticement and coercion charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years for the attempted receipt of child exploitation material.
Assistant United States Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega is in charge of the prosecution of this case.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of DHS and a vital U.S. asset in combatting transnational crimes and threats.
Related Federal Cases
- Francisco Xavier Ortiz-Colón, Child Exploitation, Puerto Rico 2024 · Puerto Rico
- Aaron Scott Byrns, Child Exploitation, Puerto Rico 2024 · Puerto Rico
- Juan Edgardo Negrón-Navarro, Child Exploitation, Puerto Rico 2025 · Puerto Rico
- Byron H. Montijo-Maysonet, Child Exploitation, Puerto Rico 2015 · Puerto Rico
- Mario Torres-Rodríguez, Child Exploitation, Puerto Rico 2021 · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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