SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A former Puerto Rico Department of Education (DOE) teacher was found guilty Friday of one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Yaira Cotto-Flores, 28, of San Lorenzo, transported one of her English students March 1, 2016, to a local motel with the intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct. According to court records, the former teacher and the 14-year old student met at the beginning of the school year and the defendant gave the victim various gifts including an acne treatment kit, a neckband and a wristwatch.
“These allegations are especially disturbing given the position of trust the defendant has occupied,” said Orlando Baez, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “Identifying people who violate their positions of public trust by contributing to the exploitation of children is a top priority for HSI. Anyone who targets children for sexual exploitation should also consider themselves a target by HSI and by our law enforcement partners regardless of who they are. We have an obligation to protect those most vulnerable in our society who cannot protect themselves.”
“The jury found Ms. Cotto-Flores guilty of robbing a child’s innocence,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “We entrust teachers to serve as role models for our children and safeguard their welfare. As this conviction makes clear, when that trust is violated, there will be severe consequences.”
Cotto-Flores faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 10:00am.
