American founder of Haitian orphanage sexually abused 4 boys – prosecutor
A prosecutor on Friday reportedly accused an American founder of a Haitian orphanage of forcing four boys who lived in the institution to engage in sexual acts more than a decade ago.
Michael Geilenfeld, 71, is a “dangerous, manipulative and cunning child sexual predator” who for decades has preyed on poor children while working abroad as a missionary, Jessica Urban, a prosecutor with the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, reportedly said during a detention hearing in Denver federal court.
The Associated Press reported that her statements marked the first time authorities have disclosed details of the investigation that led to Geilenfeld’s January 18 indictment in Florida on charges of child sexual abuse.
“Urban, speaking via a video feed, offered the evidence to support her argument that Geilenfeld should not be released on bond as his case proceeds. She said authorities fear he or his supporters will try to intimidate victims to prevent them from testifying against him,” the report said.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Judge Scott Varholak delayed a decision, saying he needed more information about Geilenfeld’s living situation in Colorado, where he was arrested last weekend.
The AP reported that Geilenfeld’s attorney, Robert Oberkoetter, also appearing by video feed Friday, told the court that his client had a full-time job taking care of his landlady and her severely disabled child. When Varholak expressed concern that there could be a minor in the home, Geilenfeld, sitting by himself at the defence table, responded, “That person is 33 years old.” Oberkoetter has declined to comment on the allegations against Geilenfeld.
The Florida indictment accuses Geilenfeld of travelling from Miami to Haiti “for the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual conduct with another person under 18.”
The abuse took place between November 2006 and December 2010, according to the indictment, a time period when Geilenfeld was operating the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys orphanage. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, the AP said.
