A 28-year-old man from West Valley City, William James Purdy, was apprehended on federal charges for the sexual abuse of minors in Tonga, where he served as a missionary and later returned as a teacher. Purdy was arrested in Pittsburgh on Thursday following a federal grand jury indictment from July.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Purdy traveled to Tonga in 2017 and exploited his position of trust to sexually abuse multiple young boys. He was said to have abused these minors, some of whom lived in his home, by providing gifts—including electronic devices, toys, and money—in exchange for sexual acts. The investigation revealed that he also recorded boys in compromising situations in his bathroom.
Purdy faced previous legal troubles; he was arrested by local police in Tonga in October 2022 after an accusation from an 8-year-old boy. Allegedly, after being released from jail, he continued his abusive behavior until he fled Tonga using a false identity in March 2023, just before a scheduled trial.
The Department of Justice emphasizes its commitment to protecting children and pursuing justice for those exploited overseas, particularly in cases involving American citizens. Homeland Security Investigations highlighted the severity of Purdy’s actions, referring to it as a profound betrayal of trust that inflicted significant harm on the young victims he was meant to support.
This case sheds light on the unfortunate reality of child exploitation and the need for international cooperation in holding offenders accountable. The ongoing investigation has identified a total of 14 alleged victims, underscoring the extensive impact of Purdy’s actions.
Efforts to ensure safety and justice for vulnerable populations continue to be a priority, and the commitment of authorities to address these heinous acts demonstrates a stronger resolve to protect children globally.