CRIME

Utah man who works with global charity for children, investigated for involvement in ‘sex tourism’

May 5, 2023, 8:26 PM | Updated: Jun 27, 2024, 10:08 am

emergency lights...

FILE — (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

NEPHI — A Utah man has been charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor on suspicion of his involvement in sex tourism and distribution of child pornography.

The man, identified by court documents as Kenneth Richens, has been charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was not at home when a warrant was served but was found and arrested the following day.

According to court documents, on March 30, law enforcement had “reason to believe” that Richens was involved in sex tourism.

Sex tourism is criminal conduct when a person travels to another nation where children are commonly trafficked for sexual abuse with the purpose of sexually abusing children in those nations.

Richens arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Washington, returning from a trip to the Philippines and was searched at the border, at which time a phone was seized from him.

Law enforcement searched the device and discovered “child sex abuse material” according to court documents.

The metadata of the photo files shows that Richens possessed them in Nephi, Utah prior to travelling to the Philippines.

According to the indictment, Richens has “traveled to the Philippines 49 times since 2011. The Philippines is a nation where sex tourism is not uncommon.”

The indictment identified Richens as being an active participant in “an international charity organization that provides educational support for children in Cambodia and the Philippines.” His work within that charity would “bring him into contact with children particularly susceptible to sexual abuse.”

On May 4,  law enforcement served a warrant at Richens’ home but Richens was not there. It is believed he is still within Utah.

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

West Valley City Police said two people were wounded and another was being detained for questioning...

Andrew Adams

2 injured, 1 detained for questioning in West Valley shooting

Police said two people were wounded and another was being detained for questioning Wednesday after a shooting that left multiple area schools under precautionary “secure” protocols.

2 hours ago

SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: New Kia cars are displayed on the sales lot at San Leandro Kia on...

Shelby Lofton

Kias in North Salt Lake now the target of vehicle break-ins, thefts

Another Utah neighborhood is being targeted for vehicle thefts.

2 hours ago

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun. (KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Sandy Police say 2 men arrested after armed pursuit of family in car

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun.

22 hours ago

Handcuffs used at the decommissioned Draper Prison....

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

A Uintah County woman investigators say was putting a household cleaner in her children's water to help with weight loss has been arrested.

2 days ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks last week.

2 days ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Utah man who works with global charity for children, investigated for involvement in ‘sex tourism’