U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow and FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski announced the indictment of Henry Manuel Sepúlveda-Cruzado, a 35-year-old resident of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He is charged with production and possession of child pornography material. The federal grand jury's decision came from the District of Puerto Rico, and Sepúlveda-Cruzado was arrested by FBI special agents on June 5, 2025.
Court documents state that between November 2023 and February 2024, Sepúlveda-Cruzado allegedly coerced a female minor into sexually explicit activities to produce visual depictions of the conduct. Additionally, he possessed child pornography involving the minor on his electronic device.
If found guilty, Sepúlveda-Cruzado faces significant penalties: a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to a maximum of 30 years for producing child pornography, and up to 10 years for possession. The final sentence will be decided by a federal district court judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
"The sexual abuse of children is intolerable," stated U.S. Attorney Muldrow. "We will continue working to identify, arrest and prosecute those who steal the innocence of our children."
FBI Special Agent Kowalski added: "There is no place in our communities for predators who exploit children—none... To those targeting our youth, we’re coming for you."
The case is under investigation by the FBI with support from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and is prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Elba Gorbea.
This prosecution aligns with Project Safe Childhood's goals—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.
Sepúlveda-Cruzado remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
