US Citizen Accused of Recruiting Teens for Palo Mayombe Sect in Mexico
Cuernavaca, Morelos — A US citizen living in Cuernavaca has been reported to authorities for allegedly recruiting teenagers into the Palo Mayombe sect through deception and threats, according to Luis Alberto Chávez Molina, the municipal prosecutor for the protection of children, adolescents, and the family.
The suspect, currently detained in Tulum, Quintana Roo, is accused of luring victims and their families with promises of “removing spirits” from their homes, then demanding they join the religious organization as part of the supposed protection process.
Investigations revealed that a teenager and her mother were taken to Tulum under threats. After complaints were filed, the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office arrested the foreigner.
Chávez Molina said the case was not isolated, as one victim was allegedly induced to recruit another teenager for the same group.
Authorities are providing support to the victims, who are receiving specialized psychiatric care as part of their recovery.
Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx
