[REVISION HISTORY]
Child exploitation investigation in Haina
Updated 11 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
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2026-09-06 03:27 UTC → 2026-09-10 14:36 UTC ·
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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. The National Council On September 9, a San Cristóbal court reviewed the request for Children preventive detention against Capellán and Adolescents (CONANI) reported that 10 children are in Muñoz Rodríguez. The Public Ministry presented 40 pieces of evidence, including testimonies from the National Protection System, while four 14 minors collected via Gesell chamber. Prosecutors are seeking to have been reintegrated with their families. Investigations continue into the facility’s lack of legal authorization defendants sent to the Najayo-Hombres Correctional and reports suggest a lack Rehabilitation Center for three months of coordination and supervision among regulatory institutions allowed the facility to operate despite community suspicions. preventive detention.
Versions
- 2026-09-10 14:36 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-06 03:27 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-06 02:29 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-03 19:23 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-03 06:42 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-02 09:22 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-02 00:13 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-01 17:21 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-01 17:21 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-01 07:42 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-09-01 00:22 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
- 2026-08-31 23:03 UTC Child exploitation investigation in Haina
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