Female Religion Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sex Trafficking of Minors

A woman accused of being involved in sex trafficking was detained after allegedly recruiting and transporting two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, for sexual exploitation.

Lizamarie Rivera-García, 42, was apprehended following an indictment by a grand jury on multiple charges related to sex trafficking. Authorities allege she manipulated the boys between December 2023 and late 2024, though it’s unclear whether they were her students.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation, and Rivera-García faces a potential sentence ranging from 50 years to life if convicted. Officials emphasized the gravity of exploiting children in positions of trust.

“A woman responsible for guiding children in principles and beliefs was actually planning to sexually assault them,” said Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. She stressed, “We cannot let our guard down—our children are vulnerable to exploitation by individuals in trusted roles.”

Officials did not specify whether the minors were her students or provide further details about the case.

Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow underscored the societal impact, stating, “The exploitation of children deprives them of dignity, security, and freedom. Such conduct is unacceptable and must be addressed firmly.”

Gonzalez-Ramos announced that the teenage victims would receive the necessary support to recover from their experiences. The case is being prosecuted by a DHS attorney specializing in child exploitation and immigration crimes.