Puerto Rican Religion Teacher Arrested Over Child Trafficking Allegations

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 22:49 IST

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico alleges that 42-year-old teacher intended to involve the boys in commercial sex.

HSI has confirmed that both teenagers are receiving counselling and support

A female teacher has been arrested in the United States on charges related to her alleged involvement in the sex trafficking of at least two teenage boys. The religion teacher was indicted on Monday following an enquiry by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico alleges that 42-year-old Lizamarie Rivera-García intended to involve two boys, aged 15 and 17, in commercial sex. According to an official statement, the teacher “recruited, enticed, transported, and maintained" the teenagers “to engage in commercial sex acts."

Rivera-García, a resident of Bayamón, near San Juan, is alleged to have trafficked the 15-year-old between December 2023 and October 2024. The 17-year-old was reportedly trafficked between December 2023 and November 2024.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), if convicted, Rivera-García could face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years, up to life, for sex trafficking of a child; 10 years to life for transporting a minor for sexual activity; and an additional 10 years for coercing a minor. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district judge, in accordance with the US law.

W Stephen Muldrow, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, said, “The sexual exploitation of children robs children of their freedom, dignity, and sense of security. Such conduct is unacceptable in our society."

HSI has confirmed that both teenagers are receiving counselling and support to help them recover from the trauma. “A female religion teacher who was responsible for guiding our children in principles and beliefs was, in fact, developing a plan to sexually exploit them," said Rebecca C Gonzalez-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge.

The report does not clarify whether the victims were pupils of the accused. The incident has raised serious concerns among parents in the region. However, HSI has assured the public that the children will receive justice and, if found guilty, the offender will be held fully accountable.

The department has released no further details in the matter. Assistant US Attorney Elba Gorbea will be prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood. The initiative was launched in May 2006.

Delhi, India, India

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