PDP senator recommended man accused of child exploitation charges for legislative internship program

By THE STAR STAFF

Sen. Rafael “Rafy” Santos, who chairs the Joint Committee of the Jorge A. Ramos Comas Legislative Internship Program (ILRC), has confirmed that Popular Democratic Party Sen. Ada Álvarez Conde was the lawmaker who recommended Jadhiel Andrés Cedeño Gómez -- an intern now facing federal child exploitation charges -- to the program.

The clarification was included in an official ILRC letter in which Santos forcefully condemned the conduct attributed to the 22‑year‑old. He stated that, as soon as he became aware of the allegations, he ordered Cedeño Gómez’s immediate and indefinite removal from the internship in accordance with program rules.

“This participant was not recommended by the majority delegation. His recommendation to join the Internship Program came from Senator Ada Álvarez Conde,” Santos wrote.

Cedeño Gómez, who previously served as coordinator of the Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana’s LGBTQI+ Affairs Committee, is accused in federal court of crimes linked to the sexual exploitation of minors.

According to the charging documents, the alleged communication with one of the victims began on TikTok. Using the handle “jadhielcedexxxx,” the defendant reportedly initiated contact with messages such as “Can you be my friend?” followed by “You’re cute.” Prosecutors allege he later asked the minor for photos, writing, “I wanted to see you without a shirt in a photo,” and adding in another message, “When you’re alone, you can do it, friend.”

Investigators say an undercover agent eventually took over the child’s identity during the probe. Even after being told, “I’m only seven years old,” the accused allegedly replied, “I don’t care that you’re 7.”

Federal authorities have charged Cedeño Gómez with coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child sexual abuse material, and other offenses. He remains in detention while the case proceeds.

In the letter, Santos outlined that the Ramos Comas Legislative Internship Program has a defined admissions process that includes document reviews, interviews, letters of recommendation from legislators, certificates of good conduct, and university permissions.

He emphasized that the criteria apply uniformly, regardless of who recommends an applicant. Santos also dismissed public claims suggesting the placement was a personal appointment, underscoring that all decisions within the program follow administrative protocols rather than individual discretion.