Colorado Man Ran Orphanage While Abusing the Boys in His Care

Colorado Man Sentenced to 210 Years for Child Abuse at Orphanage

THE FOLLOWING STORY CONTAINS MENTIONS OF MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Adults that are put in positions of power over children are meant to protect them, not harm them. Crimes like these are sickening.

One Colorado man is facing a centuries long conviction after being found guilty of multiple accounts of sexual abuse of children.

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Who Is Michael Karl Geilenfeld?

Michael Karl Geilenfeld of Littleton has been sentenced to 210 years in prison for sexually abusing children at an orphanage HE actually founded, according to People.

U.S. Attorney's Office

Geilenfeld’s History with Orphanages in Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Locations Involved in the Abuse Case

Officials claim that Geilenfeld operated multiple orphanages in Haiti and later one in the Dominican Republic. The crimes that he was convicted of took place at one of the orphanages he ran, St. Joseph’s Home for Boys.

This facility opened in 1985.

What the DOJ and Court Documents Reveal

Methods of Abuse

In a report from the Department of Justice and court documents, the 73-year old man ran the home for two decades before things began to unravel.

Geilenfeld traveled from the United States to Haiti frequently, and reportedly, "sexually abused the boys entrusted to his care."

He also physically and emotionally abused other children at this orphanage where he would use physical assault as a form of punishment.

Timeline of the Abuse and Legal Proceedings

When Did the Abuse Take Place?

According to a report from USA Today, the sexual abuse took place between 2005 and 2010 and involved six victims. The Littleton resident was arrested right here in Colorado in 2024.

Just over a year later, all six of the victims involved in the charges testified against him in court.

Charges and Conviction Details of Colorado Man Who Abused Children at Haitian Orphanage

He was found guilty of one count of traveling in foreign commerce with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, according to reports.

FBI and DOJ Respond to the Sentencing

FBI Commends Victims and Promises Continued Action

“This sentencing marks the end of a case built on the courage of survivors and the dedication of investigators,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division.

“For decades, Geilenfeld used his position of trust and access to exploit vulnerable children under the guise of humanitarian work. We are grateful to those victims who came forward to report their abuse.”

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