Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested two men on criminal charges related to child exploitation, according to an April 29 announcement from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat crimes against children, a key priority for federal law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico. The office handles federal crimes including civil rights violations and supports public safety by pursuing criminal prosecutions and civil litigation, according to the official website.
A federal grand jury indicted Alen Meléndez-Santiago on April 9 with three counts related to sexual exploitation of children. Court documents allege that between November 2025 and January 2026, Meléndez-Santiago induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the production of child pornography. He faces up to life imprisonment if convicted. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora is prosecuting this case.
In a separate case, Edwin Méndez-Pérez was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 22 with counts including coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of children, and receipt of child exploitation material. According to court documents, Méndez-Pérez allegedly used electronic devices over several years to induce a female minor into sexual activity and produced exploitative material. AUSA Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto is prosecuting this case.
W. Stephen Muldrow said: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of those who sexually exploit children.” He added: “I am grateful for the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who harm children.”
Yariel Ramos said: “Child predators often disguise abuse as a 'fun game'... This is deliberate, calculated, predatory behavior... Not on our watch. HSI remains vigilant, unwavering, and fully committed to protecting our children.”
Homeland Security Investigations is leading these investigations as part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online.
Muldrow held the position of United States Attorney for Puerto Rico during these proceedings according to information from the official website. The office serves all areas within its district in law enforcement efforts such as addressing public corruption or drug trafficking cases and offers mechanisms for reporting crimes or fraud online.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
