### “Former US Embassy Worker in Mexico Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Predation”
On September 18, 2024, Brian Jeffrey Raymond, a former first secretary at the US Embassy in Mexico, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing at least 24 women across two countries over a span of 14 years. Raymond exploited, photographed, and sometimes sexually violated his victims while they were unconscious.
During the sentencing, which was covered in detail, victims described how they had been deceived by a man who appeared “kind” and “educated.” Raymond had also previously worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), an institution many victims thought was supposed to protect against such evil.
Witnesses observed Raymond appearing despondent, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit, as Judge Colleen Constance Kollar-Kotelly, under the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, pronounced him “a sexual predator.”
“You can safely call him a sexual predator,” Judge Kollar-Kotelly asserted as she imposed the full sentence requested by prosecutors. She also noted that this period of imprisonment would offer Raymond ample time to reflect on his actions.
Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice, emphasized the US government’s dedication to prosecuting sexual misconduct violating federal law regardless of where it occurs or who perpetrates it. She expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Mexican government and looked forward to continuing to work with national and international partners to seek justice for victims.
Matthew M. Graves, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, highlighted how Raymond manipulated unsuspecting women in his government-leased residence, drugging, sexually assaulting, and photographing them while they were unconscious. He assured that Raymond would spend a large portion of his remaining life behind bars and be registered as a sex offender for life.
The Department of Justice acknowledged the valuable efforts, support, and cooperation from various Mexican authorities, including the FiscalÃa General de la República (FGR), FiscalÃa General de Justicia de la Ciudad de México (FGJ-CDMX), and the SecretarÃa de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE).
The FBI began investigating Raymond after an incident on May 31, 2020, when a naked woman was seen crying for help from the balcony of Raymond’s residence in Mexico City. Despite Raymond’s attempted narrative of consensual sex, the woman had no memory of events after consuming food and drinks provided by him.
Raymond, 45 at the time of his arrest, kept hundreds of photographs and videos on his electronic devices showing at least 24 unconscious women, spanning the years from May 2006 to May 2020. Many of these women had no recollection of the abuse, further substantiating the severity of Raymond’s crimes.
Raymond’s criminal acts were documented extensively; his hands were visible in images and videos manipulating victims’ eyelids, mouths, and limbs. He also appeared in recordings lying in bed with unconscious women. Before his service in Mexico, Raymond worked for many years with the CIA and used dating apps like Tinder to meet many of his victims both in the US and abroad.
After being extradited from Mexico and renouncing his diplomatic immunity, Raymond pled guilty to two counts of sexual abuse and one count of transporting obscene material on July 23, 2021. He admitted to engaging in non-consensual sex with two victims, actions recorded in a government-rented apartment in Mexico City.
The FBI and the Diplomatic Security Service sought information on potential additional victims before sentencing. Those with relevant information were urged to contact the FBI through dedicated channels.
### Additional Update
Further Inquiries Continue for Additional Victims
Since Raymond’s arrest, the authorities have continued their efforts to identify additional victims who might have suffered similar abuses. Following a public appeal in October 2021, several details emerged, pointing to possible unknown victims who interacted with Raymond during his tenure in Mexico.
Raymond’s use of his diplomatic position and frequent travel underscore how his predatory activities spanned multiple locations. The Department of Justice, working alongside international partners, remains committed to uncovering the full extent of Raymond’s offenses and delivering justice to all affected.
Sources have noted that Raymond’s methodical approach involved drugging his victims before documenting their condition. His meticulous record-keeping provided crucial evidence that led to his conviction. As the investigation continues, authorities call upon any individuals with relevant information to step forward to aid in this ongoing inquiry, ensuring Raymond faces full accountability for his horrific crimes.