Last Friday, two men were taken into custody at the Port of Miami, charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in the sauna of the cruise ship Independence of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean. The accused, identified as José Juan Prudencio Díaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragón Leal, 37, both Mexican nationals, face several charges including lewd and lascivious molestation, obscene exhibition, and inappropriate touching of a minor between 12 and 16 years old. They remain in jail without bond and are under immigration hold, according to local reports.
The minor reportedly told authorities, as per Telemundo 51, that he was in the sauna when the two suspects started masturbating in front of him, touched him, and coerced him into touching them. Subsequently, Mondragón Leal allegedly forced the boy to perform oral sex and further sexually abused him.
Local10 reported that both men lived at the same address in Mexico City. Additionally, Díaz is charged with engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV-positive status to the victim. He is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, while Mondragón Leal is detained at the Metrowest Detention Center, facing additional charges of child sexual assault.
During a court hearing on Saturday, a prosecutor stated that both individuals acted together and "attempted to target a specific minor," suggesting a high risk of reoffending. Due to the severity of the case, the judge denied them bail.
Recent Surge in Child Abuse Cases in Florida
In recent months, the United States, particularly South Florida, has witnessed several reports of child abuse and sexual offenses, some involving individuals of Cuban origin. In late February, a Miami couple was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl they met at church. The abuse reportedly occurred multiple times during her visits to their home.
That same month in Texas, a Cuban couple was arrested for sexually assaulting their one-year-old daughter and recording the abuse on video. The footage was detected through an alert generated on TikTok, prompting a joint investigation by several federal agencies. Both remain in immigration custody.
Days later, a 51-year-old man was charged in Miami with indecent exposure and lewd behavior towards his granddaughters, aged 5 and 7. The charges surfaced after the family moved and the young girls disclosed the incidents. The accused was jailed under immigration service custody.
Alarming Incidents of Abuse in Miami
Earlier this March, a Cuban masseuse was arrested for allegedly making inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old during a session at a hotel in Doral. She denied the allegations and was released on bail but still faces charges of sexual abuse.
A few days later, a 29-year-old father was detained in Miami for allegedly torturing his four-year-old son. The child showed physical signs consistent with being tied up and described the abuse using a doll during an interview with authorities. The case sparked widespread outrage due to the harrowing nature of the child's account.
Subsequently, another man was arrested in Miami for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy. According to the investigation, he offered the teen a ride in his vehicle and drove him to his residence, where the assault took place. The victim provided information that led to the suspect's identification and arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recent Abuse Cases in Miami
What charges are the two men facing for the cruise ship incident?
They face charges including lewd and lascivious molestation, obscene exhibition, and inappropriate touching of a minor between 12 and 16 years old.
Why were the men denied bail?
The judge denied bail due to the severity of the allegations and the risk of reoffending, as highlighted by the prosecutor.
What other incidents of child abuse have been reported in Miami recently?
Recent cases include a couple abusing a 13-year-old, a man charged for indecent acts toward his granddaughters, and a father accused of torturing his young son.