American teacher in Cambodia jailed for sexually exploiting more than 20 children
An American teacher employed at a private school in Phnom Penh has been sentenced to 10 years’ jail for sexually exploiting more than 20 children in Cambodia.
His Cambodian accomplice, who acted as a broker, was sentenced to 12 years’ jail for his role in procuring victims and facilitating the abuse.
According to Khmer Times, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court announced the verdict on 25 June, with both men reportedly admitting to the offences during the trial.
American man arrived in Cambodia as tourist before working at private school
The American offender was identified as William Chandler White, 27, originally from Jacksonville, Florida.
Source: Khmer Times
He arrived in Cambodia in 2024 as a tourist before securing employment at a private English school in Phnom Penh.
White told the court that he selected victims from photos posted on Telegram by his Cambodian broker.
He reportedly paid about US$100 (about S$130) to each victim.
The broker, 22-year-old Pen Chanrith from Phnom Penh’s Por Senchey district, admitted to bringing 20 street boys to White and receiving US$30 (about S$40) for each child.
White was sentenced under Article 28 of Cambodia’s Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.
He has also been banned from Cambodia after completing his prison sentence.
Chanrith was sentenced under Articles 28 and 41 of the same law for his involvement in child prostitution, as well as the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Pair arrested in Phnom Penh in August 2024
Both men were arrested in Phnom Penh in August 2024 by Cambodia’s Anti-Human Trafficking and Minors Protection Police, with assistance from the Child Protection Unit (CPU).
The convictions followed an extensive joint investigation involving the Cambodian National Police, Homeland Security Investigation, and CPU.
The CPU said investigators identified and safeguarded numerous victims while securing the evidence needed to bring both offenders before the court.
“These sentences send a clear message that those who seek to exploit children in Cambodia, whether foreign nationals or local facilitators, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said CPU Director James McCabe.
The CPU also acknowledged the courage of the victims and witnesses who assisted throughout the investigation.
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Featured image adapted from Khmer Times and Kiripost.Â
