A 73-year-old man from Colorado has been sentenced to 210 years in federal prison for sexually abusing vulnerable children at an orphanage he founded in Haiti.
Michael Geilenfeld, founder of St. Joseph’s Home for Boys, was convicted of abusing multiple children under the guise of humanitarian work over a span of decades.
What Happened
Michael Geilenfeld, a longtime missionary and founder of a Haitian orphanage, was found guilty of sexually abusing children in his care between 2005 and 2010.
He was sentenced in a Miami courtroom to 210 years—the maximum allowed by law—after a federal jury convicted him in February.
Key Details
Geilenfeld founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys in 1985 to serve orphaned and low-income youth in Haiti.
While presenting himself as a caregiver, Geilenfeld traveled frequently between the U.S. and Haiti, where he engaged in repeated sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of children.
The charges included:
- 1 count of traveling in foreign commerce for illicit sexual conduct
- 6 counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place
Each of the six counts involved a different child victim.
In total, ten victims testified. Six were tied directly to the charges; four others were identified by the Department of Justice.
Reactions or Statements
U.S. District Judge David Leibowitz received applause after handing down the sentence.
“The defendant preyed upon some of the most vulnerable children in the world,” Judge Leibowitz said. “That is what he did.”
A 24-year-old survivor stated, “This orphanage destroyed my childhood. No amount of love can make me forget. Only death.”
DOJ Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti called the abuse “intolerable,” and said the crimes “represent a horrific betrayal of trust.”
FBI Assistant Director Jose Perez praised the bravery of the victims who came forward.
Investigation or What’s Next
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation.
Officials emphasized that the case sets a precedent for holding perpetrators accountable—even those operating under the guise of charity abroad.
Authorities continue to encourage other potential victims to come forward.
FAQs
Who is Michael Geilenfeld?
He is a Colorado missionary who founded St. Joseph’s Home for Boys in Haiti in 1985.
What were the charges?
He was convicted on seven counts of sexual abuse-related crimes involving minors.
Where did the abuse happen?
At the orphanage he ran in Haiti, primarily between 2005 and 2010.
How many victims testified?
Ten victims testified—six linked directly to the charges and four identified separately.
What is Project Safe Childhood?
It is a DOJ initiative aimed at identifying and prosecuting those who exploit children, both domestically and internationally.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Michael Geilenfeld will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced to 210 years for sexually abusing vulnerable children at a Haitian orphanage he led.
The case, brought under Project Safe Childhood, sends a powerful message that justice will pursue abusers—no matter where or when the crimes occurred.
