Operation Twisted Traveler: Tracking American Pedophiles in Cambodia

SPECIAL EDITION OF ABC NEWS NIGHTLINE AIRS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th 

ABC News “Nightline” investigates accused American sex tourists in a special report airing this Wednesday, September 16.  ABC News anchor Dan Harris traveled to Cambodia — a top destination for pedophiles from the United States and all over the world – to see first-hand how a small, local nonprofit group is working with Cambodian and American law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest suspected foreign pedophiles.   

Harris and his producers Almin Karamehmedovic and Aude Soichet went undercover as investigators built their case against Harvey Johnson, a failed real estate developer from Arizona. Johnson is accused of using his position as an English teacher to molest several underage girls.  Investigators tell ABC News they began following Johnson night and day in 2007. “Nightline” was there for the crucial final days, including Johnson’s arrest. He maintains his innocence to all charges.

Harris and his team also got extraordinary footage of the sexual underworld that is thriving in Cambodia, with interviews of suspected American pedophiles both on trial and in prison. Cambodia has long been a magnet for sex tourists, because families are poor and the police are often corrupt, humanitarian organizations and law enforcement authorities tell ABC News.

A small group of American evangelicals is now working to help the children caught up in the sex trade. “Nightline” interviews an American pastor who says the problems in Cambodia are the result of a “moral vacuum.”

This special edition of ABC News "Nightline"—Operation Twisted Traveler airs Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:35pm (ET/PT).  A preview will air also on “World News with Charles Gibson” tomorrow at 6:30pm ET. As part of this report, ABCNews.com will post Web links to several organizations dedicated to combating child sex trafficking in Cambodia and around the globe. 

“Nightline” is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran, and Martin Bashir.  John Donvan and Vicki Mabrey are correspondents. James Goldston is the executive producer.  “Nigine” airs at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT) weeknights on the ABC Television Network.