Three Americans Busted in Cambodian Sex-Tourism Sting

Posted on: September 7, 2009 at 2:17 p.m.

Los Angeles sex crimes have severe penalties for anyone convicted, and require a top-notch Los Angeles sex crimes defense attorney. Without one, you could fine yourself in prison for a decade and/or on the California Sex Offender Registry. Sex crimes can be state or federal charges, and committing a sex crime outside the United States could lead to a conviction as well.

The combined efforts of several international organizations have resulted in the arrest of three American men who had travelled all the way to Cambodia to sexually abuse children. While children in Los Angeles are well-protected against sexual predators by both state and federal laws, many foreign countries such as Cambodia have a somewhat more lax legal position towards sex offenses that has led to the creation of sex tourism that cater to the desires of tourists from other nations. Americans Ronald Boyajian, Erik Peeters and Jack Sporich are each being charged with international travel and engaging in sexual contact with a minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison per victim. According to the United States Justice Department, all three men had had prior sex crime convictions, and all three had travelled to Cambodia with the express purpose of preying on other, less legally protected children. Peeters allegedly molested several young boys and paid them small amounts of money to be photographed naked. Sporich is accused of frequently hosting three Cambodian boys at a private residence and is said to have driven around on a moped, dropping cash from his pockets to meet local children. Boyajian is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 10-year-old Vietnamese girl.

The three men are among the first to have been apprehended under a joint initiative, Operation Twisted Traveler, between the United States Department of Justice and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in an attempt to crack down on Americans who participate in sex tourism. According to officials from Immigration and Customs, Boyajian, Peeters and Sporich were tracked down through information supplied by human rights organizations International Justice Mission and Action Pour les Enfants.
While sex crimes have always been taken very seriously in Los Angeles, these three recent arrests highlight the United States growing commitment to the safety of children everywhere. Committing sex crimes in other countries could still land you in a prison in Los Angeles. In 2003, the federal Protect Act was enacted to strengthen the nations existing laws regarding sex crimesagainst children outside United States borders committed by American citizens. As evidenced in the cases of Boyajian, Peeters and Sporich, up to 30 years in prison is a distinct possibility upon conviction. If you have been charged with a sex crime, call the attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP today. Our combined 50 years of courtroom experience will fight for your freedom and good name.

Tagged as: sex crime accusations

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Three Americans Busted in Cambodian Sex-Tourism Sting

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