WASHINGTON, D.C. – Luis Figueroa, 67, a resident of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of First- and Second-Degree Child Sexual Abuse with Aggravating Circumstances, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The conviction, which took place on July 23, 2026, stems from a horrific incident involving a six-year-old victim in 2017.
According to court documents, Figueroa had a friendly relationship with the victim and her family, who were living in a basement apartment in his home. The defendant, who instructed the child to call him “the Cookie Monster,” exploited this trust when he entered the apartment to repair a broken shower. He called the victim into the bathroom, where he instructed her to shut the door and then proceeded to sexually assault her.
The victim, left confused and traumatized, did not disclose the abuse for several years. It was not until 2021, inspired by other survivors sharing their stories online, that she confided in her mother about the incident. Following her disclosure, her mother alerted a social worker, leading to Figueroa’s arrest on April 3, 2024, after a bench warrant was issued.
Figueroa is now facing a potential sentence ranging from over 30 years to life imprisonment without the possibility of release due to the aggravating circumstances associated with his conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Ballou and Lindsey Miller, with support from Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case underscores the importance of reporting child abuse and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community organizations to protect vulnerable residents in Washington, D.C. As the city continues to grapple with challenges related to public safety, the prosecution of such heinous crimes remains a priority for local authorities.
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