Youth Basketball Coach Arrested For Attempted Production Of Child Pornography And Coercion And Enticement Of A Minor

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Yesterday, United States Magistrate Judge Camille L. Vélez-Rivé authorized a criminal complaint against Ángel Gabriel Díaz-Rosado, charging him for attempted production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of minors, and transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, sections 2251(a); 2422(b); and 1470, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Department and the Puerto Rico Department of Family.

Yesterday evening HSI agents of the Child Exploitation Unit arrested Díaz-Rosado in Bayamón. Today he had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Vélez-Rivé.  

According to the information contained in a criminal complaint, on Monday, March 18, 2019, the mother of a male minor, went to the ICE-HSI San Patricio offices to report that, on March 13, 2019, she had discovered multiple text, voice messages, and pornographic images shared between her son and defendant Ángel Gabriel Díaz-Rosado. The messages were transmitted, through the Internet, using the WhatsApp phone application.

“The defendant, who was entrusted by the parents and the school where kids played basketball for him, violated their trust by committing these awful acts,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively target those who prey on our children. We encourage other potential victims to come forward if this defendant or any other adult is engaging in this type of criminal behavior. Do not remain silent. Help us help you.”

“HSI will not tolerate the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our society, and will continue working with our partners in the PRCACTF to investigate those who exploit our children and deprive them of their innocence,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. “This case is particularly alarming as the defendant was in a position of trust with access to minors. Make no mistake, HSI will continue to investigate and apprehend those who exploit our children, especially those who betray the trust placed in them by committing these despicable acts.”

“The mission of our department is clear and we will not allow the security of our most vulnerable populations to be threatened. We will continue working to ensure the welfare of the victims and their families in this case. Puerto Rico can be sure that we will use all the tools in our power to help them regain control of their lives despite this ordeal. We thank all the components that are part of this research who had a quick response to the referral from our department, confirming that together we are stronger,” said Secretary of the Department of the Family, Glorimar Andújar Matos.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Cristina Caraballo and Deputy Chief of the Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation Unit, Nicholas Cannon, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, Díaz-Rosado faces a minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen years and up to life, a minimum term of supervised release of five years up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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