Derek Orengo Delgado, a 24-year-old resident of Ponce, Puerto Rico, was apprehended on charges related to child exploitation. The arrest was made by special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on May 8, 2025, as announced by W. Stephen Muldrow, the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The arrest follows an indictment by a federal grand jury on May 7, 2025. Orengo Delgado faces charges including coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity, sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child exploitation material, and transfer of obscene material to a female minor.
Court documents reveal that in January 2025, Orengo Delgado allegedly used digital communication tools to persuade a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activities and create visual depictions. Between January 11 and January 12, he is accused of transporting the minor with intentions to engage in such activities and produce explicit images.
W. Stephen Muldrow stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who exploit minors for sexual purposes.” He added that those preying on children would face prosecution "to the fullest extent of the law."
Rebecca González-Ramos from ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan emphasized: “No child should be deceived by a person they trust.” She highlighted the zero-tolerance approach toward crimes against children and affirmed continued efforts with law enforcement partners in preventing child exploitation in Puerto Rico.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega is leading the prosecution under the Crimes Against Children Unit. The investigation is managed by the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI.
If convicted, Orengo Delgado could face significant penalties including mandatory minimum terms ranging from five years up to life imprisonment depending on each charge. A federal district court judge will decide his sentence considering various guidelines and factors.
This case aligns with Project Safe Childhood's mission—an initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
For further details about protective measures against sexual predators or to report suspicious activities involving children in Puerto Rico contact Know2Protect.gov or reach out via provided contact details.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt within legal proceedings.
