Dateline updates IJM role in July conviction of international sexual predator

U.S. fugitive Terry Smith was sentenced last month in Oregon to 22 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young relative, among other crimes.

After abusing his relative in Oregon seven years ago, Smith fled the United States for Cambodia. There, Smith opened a bar, where he personally brutalized young girls and offered their bodies to tourists seeking sex with minors. During an IJM investigation, Smith confided to an undercover agent that he was wanted for sexual abuse of a minor in Oregon. IJM furnished evidence of Smith’s fugitive status and abuse of Cambodian girls to the Cambodian Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Bureau, which acted quickly to apprehend and arrest Smith.

After his arrest, Smith was placed in jail, but was soon released because of health concerns. He used this release as an opportunity to again attempt escape, going into hiding a second time. IJM investigators worked with the Cambodian authorities, the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Marshal Service to obtain the necessary federal warrant to detain Smith and prevent him from unauthorized flight. Members of the Cambodian National Police force then arrested Smith as he left the U.S. Embassy after trying to obtain documents to leave the country.

Smith was returned to the United States, where he stood trial in July for the crimes committed before he fled the country and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. IJM’s role in Smith’s apprehension will be highlighted on “Dateline NBC” Wednesday, August 8 at 10 p.m. EST.