28 Year-Old Teacher Found Guilty Of Transportation Of A Minor With The Intent Of Committing A Criminal Sexual Act

SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a nine-day jury trial and four hours of deliberation, Yaira Tanies Cotto-Flores was found guilty of one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Senior Judge Daniel R. Domínguez presided over the trial.  

According to the evidence presented at trial, on March 1, 2016, the defendant transported a 14-year-old male student to a motel located in San Lorenzo, PR, with the intent to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Cotto-Flores was the victim’s English teacher. They met at the beginning of the school year and the defendant gave the victim various gifts including an acne treatment kit, a neckband and a Bulova wristwatch.

“The jury found Ms. Cotto-Flores guilty of robbing a child’s innocence,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We entrust teachers to serve as role models for our children and safeguard their welfare. As this conviction makes clear, when that trust is violated, there will be severe consequences.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elba Gorbea. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2018 at 10:00am.

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