Miami man sentenced to life for sexually abusing girls in Colombia, feds say

Milena Malaver, Miami Herald on Jan 23, 2026

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MIAMI — A Miami man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of traveling to Colombia to sexually exploit children, attempting to produce child sexual abuse material and possessing such material.

In January 2023, 69-year-old Manuel Poceiro met with an individual in Miami whom he believed would assist him with transporting and laundering money tied to narcotics trafficking, according to a federal indictment. During the meeting, Poceiro also asked the individual to secure an apartment for him in Barranquilla, Colombia, which Poceiro said he would pay for.

The individual, who was facing money-laundering charges, later began cooperating with Homeland Security Investigations in the case.

During a meeting in February 2024 in Miami, Poceiro told the source that he planned to travel to Colombia to engage in sexual activity with minors, including two sisters. The abuse began when the girls were 13 and 14 years old, the indictment says.

Poceiro also told the source that the girls’ mother was aware of the abuse and allowed it to occur. During the meeting, Poceiro showed the source multiple videos depicting other young girls.

Records show Poceiro traveled to Colombia on Feb. 8, 2024, and returned on Feb. 22. Travel logs also indicate he made frequent trips to Colombia between 2018 and 2021.

The feds got a warrant to search Poceiro’s phone, which revealed multiple videos of young girls, as well as records of money transfers sent through Western Union, according to the indictment.

On Feb. 2, 2025, Poceiro arrived at Miami International Airport on a flight from the Dominican Republic. During an inspection, law enforcement officers conducted a cursory search of his cellphone and discovered dozens of images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

Poceiro was charged with and pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted production of child pornography, and possession of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

Miami U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra sentenced Poceiro to life in prison on Jan. 6.

“A life sentence reflects the gravity of that evil and ensures he will never again have the opportunity to harm a child. Let this sentence send a clear message: those who sexually exploit children, anywhere in the world, will be hunted down, prosecuted, and removed permanently from society,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a press release.