U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez | U.S. Department of Justice
The owner of Cardiel Childcare Services in Las Cruces, Juan Jose Cardiel Sr., has been charged with attempted enticement of a minor following an investigation into alleged systematic sexual abuse of a child under his care. The 79-year-old appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for December 11, 2025.
Court documents allege that Cardiel showed the minor victim naked photos of herself as a baby and toddler, displayed videos of people engaging in sexual acts to the victim, forced the victim to perform sexual acts on him, and inappropriately touched the victim. These actions are reported to have occurred multiple times.
Previously, Cardiel was arrested by the Las Cruces Police Department on May 1, 2024, on state charges of Criminal Sexual Contact with a Minor. If convicted on the current charge, he faces not less than ten years and up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso announced these developments. Homeland Security Investigations led this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and U.S. Marshals.
Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Jackson Dering are prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. This initiative aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide since its launch by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
HSI is seeking other potential victims related to this case. Anyone with information is urged to contact HSI at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP (877-447-4847) or online at www.hsi.gov.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.