After a five-day jury trial in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Lionel Albino Galindo was found guilty of six counts of child exploitation. The trial was overseen by United States District Court Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan.
Court documents revealed that between February 2024 and March 19, 2024, Galindo exploited a 13-year-old girl. He used a cellphone and internet messaging services to persuade the minor into sexual activities, including creating child pornography.
The prosecution presented evidence showing that Galindo transported the minor for sexual activity multiple times and produced visual records of these acts. He also received child pornography from the minor and sent her obscene material.
The jury convicted Galindo on several charges: coercion and enticement of a minor; transportation with intent for criminal sexual activity; sexual exploitation of children; receipt and possession of child pornography; and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
Galindo faces potential sentences ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life for some charges, with other penalties including up to 30 years or more. His sentencing is set for June 10, 2025. Until then, he remains in custody under the Bureau of Prisons.
United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow praised those involved in the case: “I commend the prosecutors, and our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication in bringing this child predator to justice.”
Devin Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, stated: “The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our most vulnerable—our children... We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who prey on children face the full force of justice.”
The FBI led the investigation with support from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. The prosecution was handled by Assistant US Attorneys Jenifer Y. Hernández Vega and Emelina Agrait Barreto.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online through coordinated federal, state, and local efforts.