Byron Andújar-Ramos has been sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the sexual exploitation of a female minor who is deaf and mute. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The victim was between 12 and 14 years old at the time of the offenses.
Andújar-Ramos was indicted on November 25, 2024, arrested on December 9, 2024, and pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025. According to court documents, from June 2022 to August 2024, he used a cell phone and internet messaging services to persuade and coerce the minor into sexual activity.
During the investigation, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) found sexually explicit WhatsApp messages between Andújar-Ramos and the victim. These communications included requests for video calls with sexual content and statements expressing romantic interest toward the minor.
W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico—who leads federal law enforcement efforts across Puerto Rico according to the official website—commented: “The Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and prosecute those criminals who exploit and harm children,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I thank the dedicated HSI agents and prosecutors who investigated and charged this case for their tireless efforts to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Exploitation of our children has no place in civilized society.”
Yariel Ramos, Acting Special Agent in Charge at HSI San Juan, said: “The court’s decision to impose a significantly higher sentence than initially agreed upon underscores the seriousness of these crimes and the unwavering commitment of our justice system to protect vulnerable victims. This outcome sends a clear message: those who commit such heinous acts will face severe consequences. HSI San Juan remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice and in supporting survivors every step of the way.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
The investigation was led by HSI as part of the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force with support from the Puerto Rico Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Puerto Rico handles criminal prosecutions including civil rights violations across all federal matters within its jurisdiction (official website). It provides mechanisms for reporting crimes or suspicious activities related to public safety or fraud (official website).
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or how to report suspicious activities involving child exploitation or abuse visit www.justice.gov/psc or call local authorities.
