A Colorado man who founded and ran an orphanage in Haiti has been convicted by a federal jury in Miami for sexually abusing numerous boys under his care.
Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, of Littleton, Colorado, was found guilty of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. The abuse occurred between 2005 and 2010.
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Geilenfeld established St. Joseph’s Home for Boys in Haiti in 1985, a home for vulnerable children, and operated it for over two decades. During this time, he traveled from the United States to Haiti and repeatedly abused the boys entrusted to his care.
Ten victims testified at the trial, detailing the horrific abuse they suffered at the hands of Geilenfeld.
“Geilenfeld abused his position of trust to prey on vulnerable children,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “This conviction sends a strong message that those who exploit children, no matter where they commit their crimes, will be held accountable.”
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Geilenfeld faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the seven counts. His sentencing is scheduled for May 5th.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Miami and the FBI Miami Field Office.
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