[4] In 2009, Álvarez was prosecuted for molesting and abusing his biological daughter for years, resulting in 14 children, six of whom died due to malnutrition and lack of proper care.
Álvarez claimed that his crimes were part of "God's plan"[5] and furthermore denied any biological relationship to the victim, but this was later disproved by DNA testing.
[7][8] Arcedio Álvarez's victims included his daughter Alba Nidia, 35 at the time of the trial,[11] and her children by him who were also his grandchildren.
[16][17] Local councilwoman Gilma Jiménez made public the extreme conditions in which Alba and her children were living with her father, and how poor their health was.
[20] During the investigation, Álvarez needed police protection when attending his court dates due to the hatred the community felt toward him.