Homeland Security Investigations Arrests Two Men on Federal Child Exploitation Charges in Puerto Rico

Federal authorities in San Juan have arrested and indicted two men from Toa Baja and Caguas for production and receipt of child exploitation material in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 10:20 AM EDT

Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Puerto Rico

Indictment of Alen Meléndez-Santiago for Pornography Production

On April 9, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted 25-year-old Alen Meléndez-Santiago of Toa Baja on three counts of sexual exploitation. Court documents allege that between November 2025 and January 2026, Meléndez-Santiago engaged in a pattern of inducement and coercion involving a 14-year-old female minor. The defendant is accused of forcing the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the express purpose of producing child pornography.

The charges against Meléndez-Santiago include one count each of production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt of child exploitation material. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years for the production charges and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison for the coercion counts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora is leading the prosecution for the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit.

Long-Term Exploitation Allegations Against Edwin Méndez-Pérez

In a separate and distinct investigation, HSI agents arrested 50-year-old Edwin Méndez-Pérez of Caguas. His indictment, returned on April 22, 2026, details a sprawling period of alleged abuse spanning nearly 15 years. Prosecutors claim that from August 2010 through May 2025, Méndez-Pérez utilized electronic devices and internet instant messaging services to manipulate a female minor.

The victim was reportedly between the ages of 11 and 15 during the period of the alleged offenses. Méndez-Pérez faces three counts including coercion and enticement, sexual exploitation, and receipt of exploitation material. Due to the duration and nature of the conduct, he faces a sentencing range of 10 years to life in prison. The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto.