Connecticut man convicted of sexually abusing Kalamazoo girl

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – A Connecticut man has been convicted of sexually abusing a Kalamazoo child.

Kristian Ignacio Feliz, 24, was indicted in March 2023 and extradited from Spain in November, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Western District of Michigan (DOJ).

We’re told Feliz was 23 when he was studying quantum physics in Barcelona in late 2022. At that time, he began a romantic relationship online with a 12-year-old girl from Kalamazoo and forced her to send pornographic videos, federal prosecutors say. He later visited Kalamazoo in January 2023 and filmed himself abusing her.

According to the Justice Department, Feliz then asked the victim to sell the videos online and transfer the proceeds to his bank account.

“Every child has the right to grow up safe, healthy and free from abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “In this case, an out-of-state sex offender targeted a child in Kalamazoo, traveled here to abuse her, and then left the country. Working closely with state, federal and international partners, we ensured that Feliz was returned to Michigan to face justice in our courts. Today’s ruling should serve as a warning that my office takes the protection of children extremely seriously.”

Feliz was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

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