A shocking case has come to light involving a female religion teacher who has been arrested for allegedly trafficking two teenage boys for sex. Lizamarie Rivera-GarcĂa, 42, was apprehended by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after being indicted on multiple sex-trafficking charges. If convicted, she could face a minimum of 50 years to life in prison.
The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico revealed that Rivera-GarcĂa is accused of recruiting, enticing, transporting, and maintaining the boys, aged 15 and 17, to engage in commercial sex acts. The arrest was made following an investigation that uncovered her alleged involvement in trafficking the 15-year-old between December 2023 and October 2024, and the 17-year-old from December 2023 to November 2024.
The disturbing nature of the case is compounded by the fact that Rivera-GarcĂa was a trusted figure in a position of authority as a religion teacher. Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan, expressed outrage at the betrayal of trust, emphasizing the need to protect children from exploitation by individuals in positions of public trust.
The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, will be provided with necessary assistance to address the trauma they have endured. W. Stephen Muldrow, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, condemned the exploitation of children, emphasizing that such conduct is unacceptable in society.
The case will be prosecuted by an assistant attorney from the DHS’s Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit. The investigation and subsequent arrest serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse. The victims’ well-being and recovery will be a priority as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience.
