Lionel Albino Galindo was found guilty of six counts of child exploitation after a five-day jury trial in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The trial was overseen by United States District Court Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan.
Court documents revealed that from February to March 19, 2024, Galindo exploited a 13-year-old girl using a cellphone and internet messaging services to coerce her into sexual activities, including producing child pornography. Evidence showed he transported the minor for sexual activity multiple times and produced visual depictions of the acts. He also received child pornography from the minor and sent obscene material to her.
The jury convicted Galindo on several charges: coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor with intent for criminal sexual activity, sexual exploitation of children, receipt and possession of child pornography, and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
Galindo faces significant prison terms: at least 10 years up to life for coercion and transportation; 15 to 30 years for sexual exploitation; up to 10 years for possession and transfer of obscene material; and five to 20 years for receipt of child pornography. All sentences include supervised release ranging from five years to life. Sentencing is set for June 10, 2025. Galindo remains in custody until then.
United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow commended the efforts leading to this verdict: “I commend the prosecutors, and our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication in bringing this child predator to justice.”
Devin Kowalski from the FBI’s San Juan Field Office emphasized their ongoing commitment: “The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our most vulnerable—our children,” adding that the verdict highlights the seriousness of crimes against minors.
The case involved collaboration between the FBI and Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Assistant US Attorneys Jenifer Y. Hernández Vega and Emelina Agrait Barreto prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative against child exploitation launched in May 2006.
