Hong Kong to Extradite One of America's Most Wanted Fugitives

Kenneth John Freeman, described by U.S. Marshals as "one of the world's most notorious accused child molesters," is in Hong Kong awaiting extradition back to the United States. He will be returned to the state of Washington where charges are pending against him. In December 2006, an arrest warrant was issued for Freeman on three counts of Rape of a Child in the First Degree. The child he abused is his own daughter, Kylie.

Not only did Freeman rape his daughter, he also taped and photographed the incidents. At one point, he placed the tapes on the internet. They became some of the most popular child pornography online. Forensics experts found the files on a computer he gave to Kylie. She told authorities that he would show her pornographic material prior to the violent acts, which began when she was 10 years old. She resisted his advances after a talk about sexual abuse with her mother. Although he stopped the violence, Freeman continued to harass his daughter to ensure her silence. She kept the secret until her junior year in high school.

Freeman was arrested in November, 2005 on three counts of first degree sexual assault of a child. After he was released on bail, he fled to China. He not only topped the list of the U. S. Marshals, but he was also on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ICE Most Wanted Fugitives.

Chinese authorities notified the United States of his location after tracking his passport. They believe he was working near Shanghai as a computer consultant for an American company. Authorities waited for him to enter Hong Kong before nabbing him since there is no extradition treaty between China and the United States. Freeman, a former law enforcement officer and bodybuilder, injured four Hong Kong police officers during the arrest. He will be held in a prison in Hong Kong while the U. S. files for extradition. He will appeal the move.

Kylie Freeman is a remarkable young woman. Her appearance on "America's Most Wanted" sparked calls to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement used the tips to identify her in the videos that her father placed online for other predators to download. Kylie has dedicated herself to the cause of helping other sexually abused children.

If you know of a child who may be in a similar situation, please call your local law enforcement. You may also call the 24-hour hotline for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST(1-800-843-5678).