Former U.S. Embassy Staffer Jailed for Life Over Sexual Abuse of Minors in Burkina Faso
- 11 hours ago
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A former employee of the United States Embassy in Ouagadougou has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of sexually abusing two underage girls while stationed in West Africa.
The conviction was secured in the U.S. District Court in Maryland following a two-week trial that concluded in October 2025. Federal prosecutors said the 41-year-old defendant, a U.S. citizen, committed the crimes between 2022 and 2023 while working overseas.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the jury returned guilty verdicts on four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. He was also convicted of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, along with attempted obstruction of justice.
Officials described the case as a serious breach of trust, noting that the offender held a position representing the United States abroad at the time of the offenses. Prosecutors emphasized that the crimes involved vulnerable victims and warranted the maximum penalty under the law.
A senior official from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said the sentence reflects the gravity of the abuse and underscores that American citizens can be prosecuted for crimes committed outside U.S. borders. Authorities stressed that the judicial outcome demonstrates a commitment to accountability, regardless of where offenses occur.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland reiterated that federal law enforcement agencies remain focused on pursuing individuals who exploit minors, describing the punishment as a clear warning to offenders.
Investigators from the Diplomatic Security Service assisted in building the case. The agency stated that it will continue to investigate allegations of criminal conduct linked to U.S. diplomatic missions and work closely with domestic and international partners to ensure justice is served.
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