NJ Millionaire to Stand Trial For International Child Sex Tourism

FoxNews ^ | July 15th, 2007 | AP

[shield]

PHILADELPHIA — Seven years ago, Russian courts convicted a wealthy American motel owner of molesting children, sent him to prison, then expelled him from the country.

The experience did little to keep Anthony "Mark" Bianchi stateside. Over the next few years, U.S. officials allege, he traveled to Moldova, Romania, Cambodia and Cuba to recruit destitute boys for sexual trysts.

Bianchi, 44, of North Wildwood, N.J., faces trial beginning Monday under a controversial federal law aimed at thwarting "sex tourism." He is accused in this country of committing crimes -- assaulting nearly a dozen minors -- on foreign soil.

More than 50 cases have been brought under what's known as the Protect Act, and more than 30 of the defendants have been convicted, the Justice Department says.

So far, however, only one federal appeals court -- the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals -- has reviewed the law, upholding it in a 2-1 ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear an appeal of that decision.

[mtbopfuyn]

Monsters like that don’t deserve a new rope.

[krb]

I am not sure I like the power grabbed by our justice system with this sort of law. What’s the difference between this law and another country passing laws claiming jurisdiction over actions taken in our country?

To combat child abuse, can’t we negotiate extradition treaties with countries where these crimes are happening?

[shield]

Sicko...only a double tap the head will cure ‘em.

[darkangel82]

All they can get him on is conspiracy to commit a felony, which should get 5 to 10 years, although he deserves to hang.

[TheRealDBear]

Russia expelled him instead of executed him? They’re slippin’ over there.

[krb]

Sure, but why can’t we extradite him to the country where he molested the children?

[expatguy]

I have to agree with you - the allegations are horrible - but US courts dont have jurisdiction over the planet.

If that is the case then come and arrest me for purchasing Cuban cigars overseas

[shield]

I’m hot and cold with these laws. However, these perverts flying to countries to have sex with these kids is sickening.

[krb]

And George Bush plotting to take over the world is sickening to people at The Hague.

[Zevonismymuse]

However, these perverts flying to countries to have sex with these kids is sickening.

Obviously it is a sickening and vile crime. But we need to be careful about our willingness to compromise our own freedom in order to punish these creeps.

[shield]

Is that’s what he’s doing? Oh boy...The Hague...give me a break...

[shield]

I agree...

[krb]

I think you are missing my point.

[ndt]

"If that is the case then come and arrest me for purchasing Cuban cigars overseas"

Don't say that too loud, because that actually is illegal. You as a citizen are banned from trading with Cuba, where you do it is not taken into account otherwise you could just go to Cuba.

It really is a bad precedent, but it was set long before this "protect" act.

[expatguy]

oh so how about a US citizen going to Amsterdam and smoking a marijuana cigarette or an American citizen living overseas who has two legal wives - I know Malaysia and Indonesia allow a man to have four wives.

[ndt]

"oh so how about a US citizen going to Amsterdam..."

Hey man you're preaching to the choir. I don't think any country has jurisdiction outside their borders except as specifically outlined in a treaty.

What I think "is right" and "what is" often are not the same thing.

[expatguy]

oh and btw the Cuban cigars are all smoked up - so the evidence is gone

[Shots]

"You as a citizen are banned from trading with Cuba, Correct but we are not prohibited from buying a Cuban cigar in Santa Domingo and smoking it there, nor are we banned from smoking opium in Bangkok if we want because they are legal there.

[Thebaddog]

Y’all are missing the point. If his party affiliation wasn't mentioned in the first part of the article or not at all, he is a democrat.