American retiree in trafficking, child abuse charges

Charges of human trafficking and child abuse were filed in court yesterday against the 73-year-old American national arrested in Bogo city for allegedly molesting a 17-year-old boy inside his car.

Jonathan Anderson Buck, a retired special education teacher, was charged for violating Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

The American, who lives in San Remigio town, was caught with the minor inside his car parked at the wharf in barangay San Vicente, Bogo City.

He waived a preliminary investigation when he was presented before the prosecutor’s office yesterday. Since the victim is a minor, Buck was cited for qualified human trafficking, which is a potentially non-bailable offense.

Police arrested Buck last Saturday night after he was caught by a police officer in the act of performing oral sex on a teeange boy inside the vehicle. Police who were  tipped off  by a concerned citizen went to the wharf immediately.

The vehicle was parked near the edge of the wharf. The passenger door was open, facing the sea.

PO3 Joy Balug Ylanan of Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Bogo City, said they had began receiving reports since last week about  Buck  roaming around the plaza in the afternoon approaching boys on the street and inviting them to come with him to eat.

But the 17-year-old victim  who was rescued last Saturday said in his affidavit  that  four  other boys were paid P20 to P40 by Buck after each encounter. Three boys are from Bogo City and another from Danao city.

The arrested American has lived with his Filipina wife in San Remigio for nine years, and owns two houses there.

Police said the statements of the other minors will support additional charges against the suspect.