A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted Jan Robert Ayala De Jesús, a 27-year-old resident of Humacao, on charges related to child exploitation. The indictment alleges that on or about December 18, 2024, Ayala De Jesús knowingly transported a 13-year-old girl with the intent for her to engage in sexual activity. This act constitutes a criminal offense under both U.S. and Puerto Rico law.
The arrest was announced by W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. FBI special agents took Ayala De Jesús into custody following the indictment.
“Our dedicated team of prosecutors, victim witness specialists, and support personnel will continue to work with our equally-dedicated law enforcement partners to combat child exploitation and to bring these offenders to justice,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This type of exploitation of children has no place in civilized society.”
Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, stated: “Protecting children from exploitation is one of the FBI’s most urgent priorities. Our work does not end with this arrest. We remain focused on identifying every victim and making sure every predator faces the full weight of the justice system.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora is prosecuting the case as part of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit.
If convicted, Ayala De Jesús faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years and could receive up to life imprisonment. He would also be subject to supervised release ranging from five years to life after serving his prison term. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory considerations.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to child exploitation crimes or other federal offenses to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-987-6500 or submit tips online at Tips.FBI.gov.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
An indictment is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
