SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Former Double-A baseball player Héctor Jomar Ponce-Rijos is facing a lifetime off the field, and likely a lengthy prison sentence, after federal authorities arrested him today on horrific charges of child pornography and sexual abuse. The arrest, announced by United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, culminates an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico handed down a six-count indictment against Ponce-Rijos, charging him with production of child pornography, sexual enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and a forfeiture allegation related to the alleged crimes. HSI special agents took Ponce-Rijos into custody at his residence in Toa Baja. The indictment details a sickening pattern of abuse, alleging Ponce-Rijos transported a 13-year-old female minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity, made sexually explicit approaches, and solicited sexually explicit images and videos from the victim.
The charges paint a disturbing picture. According to court documents, on May 30, 2016, Ponce-Rijos transported the minor to a desolate baseball field where he allegedly engaged in sexual relations with her. The indictment further alleges he transported the minor to a motel in the Municipality of Utuado on two separate occasions for the same purpose. This wasn’t a momentary lapse; it was a sustained and predatory abuse of trust.
“Child pornography will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Rodríguez-Vélez. “Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will continue vigorously investigate and prosecute the abuse that these victims suffer at the hands of these criminals.” The statement rings hollow to many until convictions and maximum sentences are handed down. The Grimy Times will be tracking this case closely to ensure justice is served.
Ponce-Rijos is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño today for his initial appearance, after which he will be transferred to the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting a detention hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Ponce-Rijos faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison. It’s crucial to remember an indictment is not proof of guilt; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative dedicated to protecting children from sexual predators. Since its launch in 2003, HSI has arrested over 12,000 individuals involved in crimes against children. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators via its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through its online tip form. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, call 802-872-6199. TTY users can dial 802-872-6196. Suspected child sexual exploitation can also be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. Download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit their suspect alerts page for more information. HSI also chairs the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance fighting online child sexual abuse.
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Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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