HSI San Juan Arrests Two Men on Child Exploitation Charges in Separate Cases

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 12, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, supported by the Puerto Rico Police Department, arrested two men indicted on child exploitation charges, Acting United States Attorney Héctor Ramírez Carbó announced.

In the first case, Christian Cedeño Rodríguez, 25, of Salinas, Puerto Rico, was taken into custody. Court documents allege that from approximately May 2026 through October 2026, Cedeño Rodríguez employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a 14-year-old female minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child exploitation material. Additionally, he is accused of knowingly receiving child pornography via electronic devices and transferring obscene material to the minor during this period.

Assistant United States Attorney Emelina Agrait Barreto, from the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case.

In an unrelated matter, Elvin Miranda Rivera, 44, of Morovis, was also arrested on November 12, 2026. According to the indictment, on July 28, 2026, Miranda Rivera employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a 14-year-old female minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child exploitation material. Between July 28 and August 5, 2026, he allegedly possessed and distributed images depicting the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct using his cellular phone.

Assistant United States Attorney Daynelle Álvarez Lora, also from the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting this case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ramírez Carbó emphasized the federal commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation, stating, "Protecting children from abuse and exploitation is a right every child deserves. We are committed to finding those who prey on children, bringing them before the courts, and ensuring they are held accountable for the harm they cause."

He further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners, praising HSI for its diligent investigative work.

Yariel Ramos, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan, highlighted the importance of vigilance and open communication, noting, "Every child deserves protection, and every adult has a role in providing it. The best defense against child sexual exploitation is an open, honest conversation with the children in your life. Pay attention to changes in behavior, because they may signal that a child is being pressured or exploited, even by someone the family knows and trusts."

If convicted, Christian Cedeño Rodríguez faces a mandatory minimum prison term of five years up to life imprisonment. Elvin Miranda Rivera faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to 20 years. Both defendants would also be subject to a supervised release term ranging from five years to life following incarceration and would be required to register as sexual offenders. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

These arrests are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

For more information on HSI’s efforts to protect children from online sexual abuse, visit https://www.ice.gov/topics/iGuardians.

An indictment constitutes an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Official reference: View the original document.