‘Most Wanted Accused Child Pornographer/Rapist’ Arrested in China: Former Deputy Allegedly Raped His Daughter, Posted the Video Online
By PIERRE THOMAS, JACK DATE and THERESA COOK
Kenneth John Freeman, described by the U.S. Marshals Service as “one of the world’s most notorious accused child molesters,” was arrested in Hong Kong Monday, the U.S. Marshals Service announced.
But notorious hardly begins to describe what Freeman is accused of.
Officials allege Freeman raped his then 10-year-old daughter, videotaped the scenes and posted them online in what they say became “one of the most widely downloaded child pornography videos” in recent history.
Freeman, a former deputy sheriff from Benton County in Washington, was arrested yesterday in Hong Kong after being tracked for weeks by federal marshals and immigration and customs agents. Authorities said Freeman, a body builder, tried to escape, injuring four officers in the process.
Freeman faces multiple counts of child rape in the first degree, plus federal charges of manufacturing, possessing and distributing child pornography. The U.S. Marshals say Freeman missed a court appearance in March 2006, and hadn’t been seen since. Authorities believe he was living in the city of Suzhou, China, and might have been working for a U.S.-based company there. Freeman has been on the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list.
In December 2006, Freeman’s daughter Kylie — his alleged victim — appeared on the show “America’s Most Wanted” to tell her story. Now in high school, Kylie has become an advocate against child sexual abuse. Officials say her story, clues gathered during their investigation and tips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children helped put the puzzle together.
I applaud Kylie’s courage. I deeply regret the extreme likelihood that the video of her rape will be circulating on the Internet for the rest of her life.
–Ann Bartow
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