U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have arrested Raul Moises Martinez Rivera, a 25-year-old teacher from Carolina at a charter school in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Martinez Rivera was taken into custody on April 10 on charges related to alleged child exploitation.
A federal grand jury indicted Martinez Rivera on April 3 on two counts: coercion and enticement of a minor and the transfer of obscene material to a minor. According to court documents, in the months of November and December 2024, Martinez Rivera used a cellular phone and internet messaging services to "knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce" a 13-year-old girl into sexual activity. He is also alleged to have transferred obscene material to the minor during this period.
Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Juan, emphasized the importance of protecting children from online predators, especially individuals who abuse positions of trust. She noted, "This individual does not represent the commitment and dedication of the teachers in Puerto Rico. HSI remains vigilant to aggressively pursue those who exploit minors."
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Jenifer Hernandez-Vega and Assistant United States Attorney Daynelle Alvarez Lora of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit. If convicted, Martinez Rivera could face a minimum sentence of 10 years, with the final sentence determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
ICE encourages the public to report any suspicious activities to federal authorities by calling 787-729-6969 in Puerto Rico or the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. Detailed information about efforts to protect children from sexual predators is available at the Homeland Security website.
The indictment serves as an allegation, and Martinez Rivera, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
