Missionary in US custody on charges he abused Haitian boys
Source: Associated Press
David Mcfadden, Associated Press
Updated 2:41 pm, Friday, December 8, 2017
BALTIMORE (AP) — A Christian missionary who allegedly told a counselor in Virginia that he had sexual contact with minors in Haiti has been arrested and is in federal custody, authorities said Friday.
If the allegations are proven, James Arbaugh, formerly of the Virginia town of Stuarts Draft, would be only the latest missionary to take advantage of Haiti's extensive poverty and anemic rule of law to abuse vulnerable youngsters. He lived in Haiti for at least a decade and described himself on a personal blog as a missionary with a group called "Walking Together for Christ Haiti."
A federal affidavit filed by a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations says a counselor in Virginia reported Arbaugh to authorities in September after he allegedly disclosed sexual contact with boys. The affidavit alleges he told investigators in subsequent interviews that he "groomed" or had sexual contact including oral sex with at least 21 boys. One 5-year-old boy he allegedly molested was the son of a pastor in Jeremie, a city devastated last year by Hurricane Matthew.
"Arbaugh described sexual acts that took place with at least 15 minors which would be considered illicit sexual conduct," special agent Tami Ketcham wrote in the affidavit.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Missionary-in-US-custody-on-charges-he-abused-12416355.php
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1326501160741686&set=a.976059282452544.1073741826.100001454451847&type=3&theater
James Arbaugh, Facebook photo
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