# Child exploitation investigation in Haina > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/child-exploitation-investigation-in-haina > Updated: 2026-09-09T23:58:06.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 5. Authorities in Haina, San Cristóbal, are investigating a suspected child abuse and human trafficking ring operating through the ‘Fundación Restaurando Vida, Un Muerto que Revive.’ The investigation was triggered after a 12-year-old boy escaped the facility on August 28 and sought assistance at a police station in Hatillo. Prosecutors have accused 69-year-old pastor Ángel Gabriel Capellán, known as ‘El Pastor,’ and Isaías Ramón Muñoz Rodríguez of physical and psychological abuse, as well as human trafficking for the purpose of forced labor. The rescued minors, aged three months to 13 years, reported experiencing beatings, burns, food deprivation, and being forced to hold heavy objects or remain in painful positions. Recent reports specify that victims were also subjected to forced labor in carpentry, which prevented regular school attendance. A court hearing regarding coercion measures for Capellán and Muñoz Rodríguez has been postponed to September 10 to allow for further evidence collection. While the Public Ministry is seeking three months of preventive detention, defense attorney Manuel Soto Lara has contested the allegations. The defense argues that the children were brought to the foundation with parental consent and noted that no parents or relatives have filed formal complaints, suggesting the investigation was prompted by a ‘troublesome minor’ who escaped. Supporters of the pastor have also gathered at the San Cristóbal Palace of Justice to defend his work with vulnerable youth. On September 9, a San Cristóbal court reviewed the request for preventive detention against Capellán and Muñoz Rodríguez. The Public Ministry presented 40 pieces of evidence, including testimonies from the 14 minors collected via Gesell chamber. Prosecutors are seeking to have the defendants sent to the Najayo-Hombres Correctional and Rehabilitation Center for three months of preventive detention. ## Claims - Fourteen minors, aged between three months and 13 years, were rescued. (disputed by 25 sources) - A 12-year-old boy presented second-degree burns on both hands and multiple scars. (disputed by 2 sources) - Authorities rescued 13 minors during the intervention at the foundation. (disputed) - Authorities are expanding investigations into a potential human trafficking network. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The investigation was triggered by a 12-year-old boy who escaped and sought help at a police station. (corroborated by 23 sources) - The victims allegedly suffered child abuse and labor exploitation. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The operations targeted a foundation named ‘Restaurando Vida, Un Muerto que Revive’. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The rescue occurred during two raids in the Las Paredes sector of Haina, San Cristóbal. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Approximately 20 people have been detained for investigation. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Ángel Gabriel Capellán, aged 69, was identified as the pastor of the foundation. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The Public Ministry requested preventive detention for two men accused of physical and psychological abuse and forced labor. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: San Cristóbal court reviews detention request for ‘El Pastor’ in child abuse case Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic are seeking preventive detention for Ángel Gabriel Capellán and Isaías Ramón Muñoz Rodríguez for alleged human trafficking and forced labor of 14 minors. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-cristbal-court-reviews-detention-request-for-el-pastor-in-child-abuse-case ### 2026-09-06: Haina foundation investigated for child trafficking and abuse Authorities in Haina, Dominican Republic, arrested Ángel Gabriel Capellán after 13 minors were rescued from the Fundación Restaurando Vidas amid allegations of trafficking, abuse, and forced labor. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haina-foundation-investigated-for-child-trafficking-and-abuse ### 2026-09-02: Haina foundation investigation targets pastor for alleged child exploitation Authorities are investigating Angel Gabriel Capellán for alleged child trafficking and labor exploitation at a foundation in Haina, Dominican Republic, following the rescue of several minors. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haina-foundation-raid-rescues-children-from-alleged-abuse ### 2026-08-31: Haina child exploitation investigation identifies alleged pastor Authorities in the Dominican Republic have identified Ángel Gabriel Capellán as the alleged leader in a case involving the exploitation and potential trafficking of 14 minors in Haina. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haina-child-exploitation-investigation-identifies-alleged-pastor ### 2026-08-31: Haina foundation raid rescues 14 minors from alleged abuse and labor exploitation Fourteen minors were rescued from a foundation in Haina, Dominican Republic, following the escape of a 12-year-old boy. Authorities are investigating allegations of child abuse, forced labor, and human rights. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-cristbal-authorities-rescue-14-minors-from-suspected-trafficking-ring --- Cite as: Child exploitation investigation in Haina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/child-exploitation-investigation-in-haina