A female religion teacher in Puerto Rico has been arrested for allegedly trafficking two teenage boys for sex.
Her arrest has shocked the local community, and also raised serious questions about child exploitation by trusted figures.
Lizamarie Rivera-García, 42, from Bayamón, was taken into custody on July, 14, 2025 after a federal grand jury indicted her on multiple sex trafficking charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, Rivera-García recruited, enticed, and transported a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old boy for commercial sex acts.
If convicted, she faces 50 years to life in prison, as reported by New York Post.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit led and investigated the case.
They uncovered that Rivera-García allegedly exploited the 15-year-old between December 2023 and October 2024, and the 17-year-old from December 2023 to November 2024.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims were her students.
“A female religion teacher that had the responsibility to guide our children about principles and beliefs was actually developing a plan to sexually assault them.” — Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos, HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge
This case has deeply shaken Puerto Rico, especially since Rivera García held a position of public trust as a religion teacher, someone expected to guide young people with strong moral values.
“We cannot let our guard down! Our children are being sexually exploited by people in positions of public trust.” — Gonzalez-Ramos.
W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, emphasized the severity of the crime:
“The sexual exploitation of children robs them of their freedom, dignity, and sense of security. Such conduct is unacceptable in our society.”
Authorities have confirmed that the teenage victims will receive al the necessary assistance to recover from the trauma.
The case is being handled by an assistant attorney from the DHS’s Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, ensuring a thorough prosecution.
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