Father faces state charges for pattern of sexual abuse of minor daughter

By The Star Staff

Justice Secretary-designate Janet Parra Mercado announced Tuesday that the Arecibo Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges against William Anthony Bracero Mendoza, 37, for committing a pattern of sexual abuse against his minor daughter in the municipalities of Arecibo and Hatillo.

Prosecutor Luisberto Ramos Pagán of the Specialized Unit for Domestic Violence, Sexual Crimes, and Child Abuse filed 12 charges against the defendant. They include prostitution, incest, lewd acts, and child abuse in the form of obscene conduct and emotional distress, under the Penal Code and the Law for the Prevention of Abuse, Preservation of Family Unity, and for the Safety and Welfare of Abused Minors of Puerto Rico.

According to the police investigation, the defendant engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse against the minor and exposed her to obscene content, from the age of 8, from 2021 to 2024. The Public Prosecutor’s Office filed six charges of prostitution against Bracero Mendoza, given that the defendant allegedly offered and conditioned any request or need of the minor in exchange for sexual conduct. It should be noted that during these years, the minor was intimidated by her father. When the victim informed her mother about what had happened, she took immediate action, confronted her husband, and went to the authorities.

Judge Rafael Lugo Morales of the Arecibo Court of First Instance found cause on all charges filed, and set bail at $1.5 million. After failing to post bail, Bracero Mendoza was sent to prison.