U.S. Sentences Child Exploiter Operating in Colombia to Life in Prison
A U.S. federal court has sentenced a 69-year-old American man to life in prison for sexually exploiting minors in Colombia. The defendant, Manuel Poceiro, was found guilty of recording his abuses and transferring money to conceal his illegal activities. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2024, in the Southern District of Florida.
Details of the Case Against Manuel Poceiro
Manuel Poceiro pleaded guilty to several charges, including:
- Attempted coercion and enticement of minors for sexual acts
- Attempted production of child pornography
- Possession of visual material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors
According to federal prosecutor Jason A. Reding Quiñones, the severity of the crimes warranted a life sentence. He emphasized that this decision aims to protect children and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing those who exploit minors globally.
How Poceiro Operated in Colombia
Investigations revealed key dates in Poceiro’s criminal activities:
- On February 6, 2024, he met with an associate to arrange money laundering.
- During this meeting, he presented photos and videos of his sexual encounters with minors.
- On February 2, 2025, he returned to the Miami International Airport from the Dominican Republic.
During a preliminary inspection, authorities discovered illicit material on his cell phone. Forensic analysis later identified audiovisual content involving at least five minors. Additionally, explicit conversations with a victim aged between 14 and 16 were uncovered, where he solicited intimate content through messaging applications.
Financial Transactions and Impact
Financial records indicated that Poceiro made money transfers to individuals in Colombia on behalf of his victims, as they were too young to receive funds directly. This aspect of his operation highlights the systemic nature of the exploitation.
Reactions to the Sentence
Following the sentencing, Medellín’s mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, affirmed that justice had been served. He confirmed that Poceiro conducted his crimes in Medellín and other Colombian cities. Gutiérrez stated, “This sentence is a product of coordinated efforts between Colombian and American authorities.”
- He noted that this marks the second case leading to a life sentence, following Stefan Correa.
- He reiterated the commitment to combat crimes against minors with relentless collaboration.
This case underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling child exploitation and reassures that authorities are taking action to protect vulnerable individuals.
