American Teenager Accused of Sexually Abusing Kids in Kenya
An Oklahoma teenager who was volunteering at a home for neglected children in Kenya has been charged with engaged in sex acts with children at the facility, according to court documents.
According to records released by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, Matthew Lane Durham, 19, volunteered at the Upendo Children's Home in Kenyan capital Nairobi, which helps care for neglected and disabled children.
It said Durham visited the home first in 2012, then twice last year, and from April to June of this year. During his latest trip, it said, he stayed at the home in an "overflow bunk," rather than off-site with a sponsor family.
From April to June of 2014, Durham allegedly engaged in sexual acts with as many as 10 victims, male and female, reportedly between the ages of 4 and 9, according to court papers; authorities believe at least one of the victims is HIV-positive.
Reuters reports that when asked, the children said Durham either touched them sexually or told them to touch themselves while he watched.
When confronted by the founder of Upendo and several church members, Durham allegedly confessed to several instances of rape and sexual abuse of children.
Durham was arrested on July 17 and appeared before a judge in Oklahoma City on Friday. He is held without bond and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 1. If convicted, Durham faces up to life in prison.
Robert Troester of the U.S. Attorney's office said Durham will be tried in Oklahoma City. He said he could not comment on whether Kenya might try to extradite the teen to face criminal charges in that country.
Sources: Washington Post, Reuters
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| Image: Upendo Children’s Home via Vimeo.com |
It said Durham visited the home first in 2012, then twice last year, and from April to June of this year. During his latest trip, it said, he stayed at the home in an "overflow bunk," rather than off-site with a sponsor family.
From April to June of 2014, Durham allegedly engaged in sexual acts with as many as 10 victims, male and female, reportedly between the ages of 4 and 9, according to court papers; authorities believe at least one of the victims is HIV-positive.
Reuters reports that when asked, the children said Durham either touched them sexually or told them to touch themselves while he watched.
When confronted by the founder of Upendo and several church members, Durham allegedly confessed to several instances of rape and sexual abuse of children.
Durham was arrested on July 17 and appeared before a judge in Oklahoma City on Friday. He is held without bond and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 1. If convicted, Durham faces up to life in prison.
Robert Troester of the U.S. Attorney's office said Durham will be tried in Oklahoma City. He said he could not comment on whether Kenya might try to extradite the teen to face criminal charges in that country.
Sources: Washington Post, Reuters
American Teenager Accused of Sexually Abusing Kids in Kenya
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