Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times

Quick Links

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_sextourism_052908/
news/2008/05/ap_sextourism_052908

Former Marine found guilty in preteen sex


The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 30, 2008 11:06:33 EDT

LOS ANGELES — A former Marine captain was convicted Thursday of having sex with preteen girls while working as a teacher in Cambodia.

A federal jury found Michael Joseph Pepe guilty of seven counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. The federal law targets people who go overseas for so-called child sex tourism.

During trial, six girls who were between 9 and 12 at the time of the abuse testified that Pepe drugged, bound, beat and raped them. Pepe was arrested in Phnom Penh in 2006 by Cambodian police investigating the sexual abuse allegations.

Prosecutors said Pepe forced the girls to give him massages and oral sex when they came home from school. Pepe would also give the girls a date rape drug before having sex with them, Assistant U.S. District Attorney Patricia Donahue said during trial.

Pepe, 54, of Oxnard, Calif., faces up to 210 years in prison when he is sentenced in September.

Deputy Federal Public Defender Carl Gunn said he might file an appeal after sentencing.

During trial, Gunn argued the assaults were committed by a prostitute and her boyfriend who had access to Pepe’s house.



Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.

FREE AFG or IRQ I Served Sticker


promo Click here so we can send you a FREE AFG or IRQ I Served sticker

Win The Military Times Fitness Package Sweeptakes


promo ENTER TO WIN...
The Fitness Package includes a Bowflex Classic Home Gym, a push-up and pull-up bar and more to keep you fit and active. Click here for more info.

Marketplace

Mil-Mall


Hooah! Button
Created by an active duty soldier, the Hooah! button is a must-have for anyone who wants to spread the Hooah!

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.