Haina foundation investigation targets pastor for alleged child exploitation

Haina foundation child exploitation Angel Gabriel Capellán human trafficking Dominican Republic

Authorities in Haina, Dominican Republic, are investigating Angel Gabriel Capellán, known as “El Pastor,” and Isaías Muñoz for alleged human trafficking and labor exploitation at the “Restaurando Vidas, un Muerto que Revive” foundation. The investigation was launched after a 12-year-old boy escaped the facility on August 28, reporting physical abuse including beatings, burns, and food deprivation, as well as forced labor in carpentry.

During the subsequent intervention, 13 minors were rescued, and CONANI reported that 10 children and adolescents have been placed in the protection system. The Public Ministry is seeking three months of preventive detention for the suspects, maintaining a provisional legal classification of human trafficking for labor exploitation.

The legal proceedings have faced complications, including the postponement of the hearing for coercive measures to September 10 to allow for evidence collection. While prosecutors represent the victims, the defense has argued that no formal complaints have been filed by the children's parents or families, and some supporters of the pastor have gathered at the San Cristóbal Palace of Justice to defend his work with vulnerable youth.

Entities

CONANI · Haina · Isaías Ramón Muñoz Rodríguez · Ministério Público · Restaurando Vidas, un Muerto que Revive · Ángel Gabriel Capellán

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The case file includes allegations of beatings, burns, food deprivation, and forced labor. www.diariolibre.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Public Ministry is requesting three months of preventive detention for Angel Gabriel Capellán and Isaías Muñoz. www.diariolibre.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The provisional legal classification for the case is human trafficking for the purposes of labor exploitation. www.diariolibre.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation was triggered after a 12-year-old boy escaped the center on August 28. n.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] The hearing for coercive measures has been postponed to Thursday, September 10. www.diariolibre.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] CONANI reported that 10 children and adolescents are currently in the protection system following the Haina operation. civismomagazine.com
[DISPUTED] Authorities rescued 13 minors during the intervention at the foundation. n.com.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Defense attorney Manuel Soto Lara stated that no formal complaint or lawsuit has been filed by the parents or families. www.diariolibre.com