A 19 year old Edmond, Oklahoma, man is being held in a U.S. jail for sexually molesting multiple children at an African orphanage. Matthew Lane Durham made several trips as a missionary and aid worker to a Kenyan orphanage, the Upendo Children's Home in Nairobi, in support of their efforts to help children in that country.
On Durham's last trip from April though June of 2014, he asked to stay in an over-flow bunk area, instead of at an off site location. An aid became suspicious and confronted some of the children, who told the aid worker of Durham's activities.
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| An Orphanage in Juja, Nairobi |
Durham was then questioned by one of Upendo founders, who confiscated his passport. The founder used her cell phone to take a video of her interview with Durham as he recounted his exploits with the children. He allegedly confessed to problems with homosexuality and pornography. When the confession became more than the founder could bear, she asked Durham to write a confession, which Durham allegedly did.
From that point, Kenyan officials were notified at the police station in Juja. The Juja officials had some of the children submit to medical examinations. They gave Durham his passport back and he fled to the U.S.
According to allegations, Durham had sexual contact with both boys and girls aged four to ten. Some of the boys were allegedly asked to perform oral sex on Durham. Others were asked to fondle themselves while Durham watched. One of the girls Durham allegedly molested is HIV positive. Many of the acts occurred in the group home's bathroom.
AIDS is not a homosexual disease in Africa. Instead, it has rampaged through heterosexual transmission via prostitutes. Children of infected mothers are often victims of AIDS.
Durham is 19 years old. He faces a potential life sentence.
U.S. residents often believe they can molest children with impunity in foreign countries. Thailand, for example, has been a famous destination for pedophiles. However, the U.S. has passed laws making the mere travel with the intent of molesting children a crime, in part as a result of the appeal of third world countries to help stop sex tourism and sex trafficking.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement division is often involved in the investigation and apprehension of sex tourists. Scott Lobb of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved in this investigation. Durham came under scrutiny in the U.S. after the alleged hand written letter was turned over to the consular division. They notified the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Criminal Investigative Office.
Durham is charged with traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct; engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places; attempt and conspiracy; and aggravated sexual abuse with children.
According to law, all persons accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Durham's attorney has indicated the charges are not solid. The truth will be found through the legal process. At least today there is recourse for victims of sex tourism through U.S. criminal channels.
Sources from KATY and the Associated Press were used in preparing portions of this article.
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