PUERTO RICO SEXTORTION CASE: TWO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RESIDENTS EXTRADITED TO FACE FEDERAL CYBERSTALKING CHARGES
Authorities allege suspects used social media to obtain explicit images, demand money, and threaten victims with public exposure
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — October 13, 2026 — Two individuals extradited from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico are facing federal charges in connection with an alleged international sextortion scheme that targeted victims through social media, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico.
Patricia Joanna Almonte-Frías and her partner, Rineldys Feliciano Díaz-Cuevas, were arrested in the Dominican Republic on August 19, 2026, at the request of U.S. authorities. They were extradited to Puerto Rico on September 30 and made their initial court appearances on October 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López.
How the alleged scheme operated
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According to federal court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in a financially motivated scheme involving cyberstalking, extortion, and threats to distribute victims’ sexually explicit images.
Investigators allege that Almonte-Frías used her image to establish contact with individuals in Puerto Rico through Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms. Victims were allegedly encouraged to share sexually explicit photographs and videos, which authorities say were secretly recorded.
Prosecutors further allege that Díaz-Cuevas and other co-conspirators subsequently demanded money from victims, threatening to distribute the compromising material to their relatives, friends, and online contacts if they refused to pay.
In some instances, according to the allegations, the defendants created photo collages combining victims’ explicit images with pictures of minors. Prosecutors say the collages were designed to create the false impression that the victims had engaged in sexual relationships with minors.
Victims allegedly paid but threats continued
Court documents allege that some victims paid the demanded amounts, with some reportedly emptying their bank accounts in an effort to stop the threats.
Despite those payments, prosecutors allege that the defendants carried out their threats and distributed victims’ intimate images to members of their online social networks, including friends and family.
The alleged conduct highlights the potential financial, emotional, and reputational consequences of sextortion, a form of blackmail in which perpetrators threaten to expose intimate material to obtain money or other benefits.
Federal officials warn against online exploitation
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Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, said the case involved the exploitation of victims’ trust and vulnerability.
“Sextortion is a ruthless crime,” Ramírez-Carbó said, adding that authorities would pursue individuals accused of exploiting victims regardless of where they operate.
Carlos R. Goris, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Juan field office, also urged the public to remain vigilant online and report suspected extortion to law enforcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Santo Domingo, the U.S. Marshals Service, and law enforcement partners in the Dominican Republic.
Charges and potential penalties
Almonte-Frías and Díaz-Cuevas are charged with conspiracy to cyberstalk and send interstate threats, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, according to federal authorities.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison. Any sentence would be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other applicable statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julián Radzinschi, of the Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Division, is prosecuting the case.
The charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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