ICE arrests Aguas Buenas man for attempting to sexually entice a minor
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – An Aguas Buenas-area man was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents Tuesday in Toa Baja for allegedly attempting to sexually entice a minor.
Roberto Sanchez-Cruz, 33, of Aguas Buenas, was arrested near Levittown, Toa Baja, following an HSI investigation that revealed he attempted to sexually entice whom he believed was a 13-year-old female.
According to the criminal complaint, Sanchez-Cruz offered the minor $100 for one hour of intimacy at a local motel. The charging document also alleges that he continuously sent child pornography images and videos to such minor. The criminal complaint further alleges that on July 9, Sanchez-Cruz arranged to meet the minor later in Levittown, Toa Baja. He was arrested by HSI agents July 17 without incident.
“Child exploitation investigations continue to be one of HSI’s highest priorities,” said Orlando Baez, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “No crime affects us more deeply than the exploitation of innocent children. We will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to identify arrest and prosecute those who in the cruelest manner steal the innocence of our children.”
Sanchez-Cruz had his initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Velez-Rive Wednesday. He was transferred to the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting the outcome of his case. The detention hearing was slated for July 24.
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 16,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2016, more than 2,600 child predators were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 800 victims identified or rescued.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.
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