Justice system imposes coercive measures on foundation directors in San Cristóbal for child trafficking
The Permanent Attention Office of San Cristóbal issued coercive measures against Ángel Gabriel Capellán, nicknamed “El Pastor”, and Isaías Ramón Muñoz Rodríguez, who face serious charges for human trafficking, forced labor, and physical and psychological abuse against 14 minors.
After evaluating the elements presented by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the court ordered three months of preventive detention for Capellán, who must serve the measure at the Najayo-Men Correction and Rehabilitation Center. For his part, Muñoz Rodríguez received a financial guarantee of RD$20,000, in addition to the obligation to appear periodically before the authorities and a travel ban.
Key evidence and testimonials
The Public Prosecutor’s Office based its request for coercive measures on 40 pieces of evidence, highlighting the testimonies obtained through interviews in the Gesell Chamber. These accounts were fundamental in documenting the conditions in which the adolescents rescued from the Restaurando Vida Foundation, located in Bajos de Haina, were living.
Defense attorney Manuel Soto expressed his disagreement with the judicial decision and announced that they will appeal the measure, arguing his client’s innocence regarding the accusations presented by the prosecuting body.
Defense of Ángel Gabriel Capellán
Research findings
- Operational irregularities: The foundation lacked the necessary legal permits to operate as a shelter for minors and manage donations.
- Initial report: The case came to light after the escape of one of the minors, who went to a police station to report the abuse.
- Physical abuse: Forensic medical evaluations revealed injuries to the face, back, and limbs, in addition to second-degree burns on the hands of one of the victims.
- Labor exploitation: Forensic psychological reports confirmed that the minors were forced to perform carpentry and construction work instead of receiving a formal education.
The authorities continue to deepen their investigations to determine the full scope of the operations of this entity, which housed people in vulnerable conditions in an environment that, according to the file, did not meet the minimum protection standards for minors.
