On March 26, 2025, Luis Javier Pérez-Badillo, a former officer of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi-Jordán. Pérez-Badillo, 50, from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, received 11 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the transportation of child pornography.
The charges against Pérez-Badillo stemmed from his actions between October 11, 2023, and February 21, 2024, using a cellular device to transport child pornography images over the internet.
“The defendant, who was entrusted by the community to serve and protect, violated that trust by committing these crimes. As this case demonstrates, those who exploit children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” stated W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. He emphasized the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to work with law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals exploiting minors.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos expressed disapproval of Pérez-Badillo's actions, stating: “The actions of this individual are a disgrace to the amazing men and women that compile our Puerto Rico Police Bureau. As law enforcement officers, we are entrusted with the responsibility to protect and serve, not to harm. While no sentence can ever truly undo the harm caused to the victim, it is our duty to ensure that justice is served. This eleven-year sentence clearly conveys that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.”
Assistant United States Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto was responsible for prosecuting the case. The investigation was led by the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force, under the direction of HSI.
For further details on HSI's initiatives to protect children from sexual predators, individuals can visit iGuardians: Combating Child Predators, or report suspicious activities by calling 787-729-6969.