Jorge Gabriel Morales, the father of Cuban-American child Jorge "Jojo" Morales, has admitted guilt in a plea deal regarding the abduction of his son that took place in August 2022. This case, which deeply affected the Hispanic community in Florida, now concludes with a reduced sentence for Morales: seven years in prison followed by ten years of probation.
The 48-year-old Morales was charged with taking his son, who was six years old at the time and diagnosed with autism, from Miami-Dade County to Canada, illegally crossing the border. The child was found two months later in a Canadian Walmart, accompanied by his father and paternal grandmother, Lilliam Peña Morales, who was also prosecuted.
Following his admission of guilt, U.S. authorities have prohibited Morales from contacting his son or the child's mother during the probationary period. Jojo's mother, Yanet Leal, originally from Cuba, expressed her fear about the situation.
"I hope his heart changes and he loses all that hatred he has towards us, and the desire to harm my son and me. He will be released earlier, but he will have a probation order for 10 more years, so he won't be able to approach us until Jojo is 22," Leal stated in an interview with Univision.
Mother's Fear and Testimony
Throughout the legal proceedings, Leal has voiced her concern about Morales potentially being released sooner than expected. "I'm terrified of him getting out," she said before learning of the sentence reduction. "I fear him greatly because there is no remorse in his heart."
Just three days ago, she felt that her former partner had not taken any responsibility for the incident. "This tells me that he thinks he did nothing wrong. He doesn't reason," she lamented.
Emotional Impact on Jojo
Since being rescued and returned to Miami, Jojo has been receiving psychological support to help him overcome the trauma. Now nine years old, he continues therapy, and according to his mother, he is happy.
"At first, we talked about how he had convinced the child that before the age of 7 or 8, he had to go to heaven," Leal recounted. "So when Jojo turned 9, he was so happy... He said, 'I'm not 7 anymore, I'm not 8 anymore, I get to live my whole life.'"
A Case that Shook Florida
On August 27, 2022, Morales picked up the child from his maternal grandmother's home and never returned him. Shortly after, federal authorities launched an intense search. The FBI even offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the boy's whereabouts.
The investigation included suspicions about the paternal grandmother's involvement, who later reached a deal with the prosecution to avoid kidnapping charges and serve ten years of probation.
The reunion between mother and son in Miami was widely covered by local media and marked the beginning of a new chapter for both, away from the dangerous environment that the father's escape had created. Now, with the plea agreement signed and the sentence given, Yanet Leal hopes that time and distance will allow her son to rebuild his life in peace.
Key Questions About Jojo Morales' Abduction Case
What was Jorge Gabriel Morales charged with?
Jorge Gabriel Morales was charged with the abduction of his son, Jojo Morales, taking him from Miami-Dade County to Canada illegally.
How long is Jorge Gabriel Morales sentenced to prison?
He is sentenced to seven years in prison followed by ten years of probation.
What measures are in place to protect Jojo and his mother?
Morales is prohibited from contacting Jojo or his mother during his probation period.
What was the role of the paternal grandmother in the case?
The paternal grandmother, Lilliam Peña Morales, was also involved and later reached an agreement with the prosecution, avoiding kidnapping charges but serving ten years of probation.