SAN JUAN, PR—Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Leff, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office, announced the arrest of Hector J. Sanchez Morales.

The Dominican Committee for Human Rights in Puerto Rico (Comite Dominicano de Derechos Humanos en Puerto Rico) contacted the FBI to report a female undocumented migrant who was held for ransom against her will upon her arrival in Puerto Rico. The victim was part of a group of undocumented aliens traveling on a boat from the Dominican Republic, which landed near Rincon City in Puerto Rico. The victim alleged to have been held and sexually assaulted by Sanchez who later contacted acquaintances to pay a ransom for her freedom. Upon the payment of the ransom, the victim was released. The FBI San Juan Field Office investigation resulted in the arrest of Sanchez and the execution of a search warrant of a residence in Anasco City in Puerto Rico. Sanchez will be charged with kidnapping in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201, and Harboring Aliens under in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.

SAC Leff states the public’s help is essential for the FBI in investigating violent criminals and bring them to justice. Public tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to submit tips through the FBI’s tip line available on our website at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The public is reminded a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.