Va. missionary admits having sex with 21 boys, ages 5-17, on trips to Haiti

ARLINGTON, Va. (ABC7) — A self-proclaimed Christian missionary from Virginia has admitted to having sex with at least 21 boys, ages 5 to 17, while on missionary trips to Haiti.

James Daniel Arbaugh, 40, of Stuarts Draft, Va., pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of illicit sexual conduct with a boy under the age of 18.

According to court documents, Arbaugh admitted to befriending, grooming, and engaging in sexual conduct with minors while in Haiti on trips between 2008 and 2017.

Arbaugh traveled throughout Haiti evangelizing and showing Christian-themed movies, according to a statement from United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle.

Arbaugh will be sentenced on June 13 in the District Court in Harrisonburg. He faces up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Arbaugh was arrested in 2017 after he allegedly told a counselor about his sexual contact with Haitian boys.

The counselor reported Arbaugh to police.

Source: WJLA