Samuel Vega-Rodriguez, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Puerto Rico 2022

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Coercion and Enticement of a Minor Lands San Juan Man Behind Bars

A federal indictment has charged Samuel Vega-Rodriguez, 42, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with coercion and enticement of a minor and attempted production of child pornography.

According to the indictment, from May to September 2022, Vega-Rodriguez knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a 13-year-old female minor to engage in sexual activity.

The man was arrested at his residence without incident on April 6, after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.

According to court documents, the defendant began conversations via social media with the minor victim. In said conversations, the defendants talked about sex and asked for naked photos and videos of the minor victim. In May 2022, the defendant and the minor agreed to meet for a sexual encounter.

When the minor victim saw Vega-Rodríguez and realized that the defendant was older than the male depicted in his social media accounts, the female minor left the meeting point running, after she punched him and kicked him when he attempted to stop her from leaving.

“We want to remind the community that the U.S. Attorney’s Office along with our federal, state and local partners, are committed to protecting children from these types of criminals,” 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.”

Today, Vega-Rodriguez had his arraignment and bail hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López-Soler and was ordered to remain at the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting the outcome of his case.

HSI is recognized as a global leader in investigating child exploitation cases and is committed to utilizing its vast authorities, international footprint, and strong government and non-government partnerships to identify and rescue child victims, identify and apprehend offenders, prevent transnational child sexual abuse, and help make the internet a safer place for children.