Tony Licata, Colleyville councilman accused of assaulting exchange student (Tarrant County Jail photo)
Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students
Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students
Advocating for the health, safety and welfare of all exchange students
Note from CSFES:
Where crimes are committed they must be reported. The stories must raise public awareness and serve to protect other children. Public awareness through the media is the most powerful tool we have to educate the public.
CSFES is currently in the process of converting the reports which appear on the 'Reports of Abuse' page by the year they were reported.
NEWS 2009
Former teacher denies civil lawsuit allegations
Ex-Buhler instructor convicted of molesting teen requesting jury trial
by Darcy Gray - The Hutchinson news - dgray@hutchnews.com
December 9, 2009
Student Exchange Agency: Face the World (FTW)
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Exchange Students Horror Stories
By Jaclyn Schultz, FOX 25 KOKH-TV Oklahoma City
November 24, 2009
Exchange Students Horror Stories
Student placement agencies: International Student Exchange (ISE) and Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations (OCEAN)
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Changes recommended for foreign-exchange programs after Scranton scandal
Published: October 23, 2009
Click for full story
Student Placement Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Criminal checks on school exchanges: Now families hosting foreign pupils face anti-paedophile vetting
Foreign exchange student sues host family, AFS over snowboarding accident
by Stephen Beaven, The Oregonian
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U.S. state department seeks stronger regulation on exchange-student host families
By Michael Matza, September 03, 2009
The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT)
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Naples resident accused of fondling Ukranian teen
By ELYSA BATISTA, August 15, 2009
Student Exchange Agency: Pacific Intercultural Exchange (PIE)
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Suit names agency, former teacher convicted in sex case, August 12, 2009
Student Exchange Agency: Face the World
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How did accused child molester get an exchange student in his house
By Renee Stoll, Reporter Fox 4 News, August 12, 2009----------
A fear for parents: Poorly run student travel programs
By M Hendricks, August 11, 2009
Student Placement Agency:
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People To People Leaders Allegedly Drank Beer While Student Was Dying Allegations made by family of deceased student Tyler Hill
By Lisa Wade McCormick, ConsumerAffairs.com, August 7, 2009
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Calif. mom exposes abuses of exchange students
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press Writer Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press Writer – Thu Jul 30, 1:46 pm ETClick for Full Story
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Intercambio en Estados Unidos: ¿Lo más cercano al infierno?
American Teens Go Missing on People to People Trips
Parents outraged at mishaps; company disclaims responsibility
By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
July 27, 2009
Click for Full Story
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Pa. woman charged in exchange-student scandal
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
Woman Wanted for Putting Students in DangerExchange student neglect happened a decade ago, host parent says
Published: July 19, 2009, The Times Tribune
Click for Full Story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Federal agents investigate Burger King's treatment of foreign students
Leslie Stratmoen KVOW/KTAK News Director
July 16, 2009
This is the toilet and shower area the foreign student workers said was in the house provided by Burger King.
The evicted student workers sat down in their neighbor’s yard Tuesday to talk about their plight. Students seated, from left, in front of the one-room building where they were housed, are Yusif Muslumov, Ali Karamik, Gansukh “Tommy” Sambuu, Roman Protsiv, their neighbor Donna Michel and Battur “Sam” Munh-Erdene.
RIVERTON, Wyo. – Federal agents from the Department of Immigrations are expected to arrive in Riverton today to investigate a possible indentured service case involving foreign students. Five university students working in the states through an exchange program said they were fired from the local Burger King and evicted from squalid living quarters provided by the company after they complained about the conditions.
They described the 15x15-foot house as a boiler room prison, because the windows wouldn’t open, bunkbeds with air mattresses were the beds, a hot-plate on a counter sufficed for a kitchen stove and the toilet and shower stall were unsanitary due to corrosion.
Riverton police, who executed the eviction notice over the weekend, were appalled at the conditions found and reported the situation to immigrations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Local Burger King management has refused comment and corporate officials in Florida say they were unaware of the situation. The students were matched with the local Burger King through the work/travel programs of Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE) and Aspire Worldwide. They paid $3,500 to $5,000 each to participate, and were told adequate housing would be provided at an affordable fee.
They said rent for the house was $1,800 a month, paid to Burger King District Manager Peggy Handran. Her phone number listed on the work agreement is no longer in service.
The university students are all men, ages 18-21, coming from Turkey, Mongolia, Azerbaijan and the Ukraine. They have found temporary sanctuary with a neighbor, Donna Michel.
“No one should be treated this way,” she said. “These boys have the right to be treated with respect and to go home with a positive experience. I want them to feel good about America.”
The students are grateful she stepped in to help.
“We very much appreciate our Grandma Donna,” said 20-year-old Sam from Mongolia, otherwise known as Battur Munh-Erdene, especially after what they’ve been through.
The students said they managed for about a month in the house provided by Burger King and making the one-and-half-mile trek on a major highway through town on foot or by a bicycle purchased in America. At this point, four of the students would like to stay in Riverton, but need jobs immediately, along with housing. Only one more job is needed because Riverton police have already secured three.
Anyone who would like to help can call the police station. That number is
307-856-4891
. Details on this story continue to unfold. We’ll keep you posted as they come into the newsroom.COMMUNITY RALLIES
The community has rallied to help the displaced students by dropping off food, personal hygiene products and money. At this point, Riverton police are working with them to make contact with WISE and Aspire company officials. The students claim they tried to call the emergency line provided by WISE, but were hung up on. A call to the same number Wednesday from the KVOW/KTAK newsroom was picked up by a receptionist. She said the company spokesman was WISE Vice-President Todd Buchala who was unavailable for comment because he was out of the office, but guaranteed a return call. No such call had been received by this afternoon. Only one of the boys is with Aspire. That company has not yet been contacted.
Burger King corporate out of Florida released a statement Wednesday saying the company had been notified about the investigation and is working with authorities. The corporation listed the Riverton franchisee as WY is H-3, LLC, and stated it’s independently owned and operated. Corporate heads said in the release that franchise owners had contacted headquarters to say they participate in a work/travel exchange program with agencies such as WISE, Aspire and the Alliance Abroad Group.
Burger King corporate stated it does not participate in work/travel programs, but explained that the agencies work with the federal government to secure J-1 visas for the students and they are paid U.S. wages, with the understanding that host companies will provide access to affordable housing and transportation.
LIFE in AMERICA
It’s been a difficult month for the students. Daily existence has been a trial. Yes, their air mattresses were off the floor, but the air kept seeping out, said 19-year-old Roman Protsiv of the Ukraine. The place was hot, he said, because the bunk beds could only be placed in front of the swamp cooler, which cut off the cool air. Daily temperatures in Riverton throughout the past month have reached the 90s. The provided table was about the size of a card table. This furnished space came to them at a price of $350 a month, a piece.
The living conditions were a far cry from what they came from in their home countries of the Ukraine, Turkey, Mongolia and Azerbaijan. Their parents work in a variety of fields, they said. One is a surgeon, another a teacher, and others work in the construction and fishing industries.
Protsiv said his parents are musicians, and he has not told them what happened, because they would be “too upset.”
His journey to Riverton started by plane in Kyiv, then to London, Chicago and Denver before ending in Riverton. Upon arrival, he was picked up by the manager of Burger King, he said, and brought to the house on East Adams.
“It’s been a hard time,” he said, “but what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, right?”
Eighteen-year-old Yusif Muslumov of Azerbaijan said he knew the situation was “not good” from his first day in Riverton. He decided he would live there but didn’t want to pay “such big money.”
He said he was threatened by Burger King managers when he voiced complaints, and that when they were told to leave they were given 12 hours to do so.
That’s when their next door neighbor became involved and offered refuge.
“We’d become friends,” she said, “visiting across the fence.”
The students moved in Sunday afternoon. Along with Protsiv, Muslumov and Munh-Erdene came 21-year-old Ali Karamik of Turkey and 19-year-old Gansukh “Tommy” Sambuu, also of Mongolia.
Michel said the house “isn’t fancy, but there’s plenty of room -- two bedrooms up and two down and a pullout couch.”
And, caring for “the boys” as she calls them, is nothing new. She and her husband raised three boys of their own, all who are grown and married now. Her husband is no longer with her. He died within the past couple of years.
More help comes each day as word gets out.
“The community is overwhelmed and appalled at the situation,” said Michel. “They have been very supportive.”
The one student who wants to go home to Mongolia is Sambuu. He’s been dealing with a medical condition that the students are convinced was brought on by poor living conditions.
The four who plan to stay said they are good workers and just want to learn more about Americans and “better English.”
“It’s been an expensive lesson,” said Protsiv, “but maybe in the future it will help us. We don’t want the next group of students to have problems such as these.”
Student Exchange Agency:
Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE) and Aspire Worldwide
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WCCO NEWS RADIO 830 -- Minneapolis, July 16, 2009
Don Shelby talked with Minnesota Deputy Secretary of State Jim Gelbmann
Student Exchange Agency: Council for Educational Travel USA (CETUSA)
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Exchange student neglect leads to calls for reform
July 16, 2009
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press Writer
Click for full story
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Exchange students live American nightmare
July 15, 2009
by Drew Griffin and Kathleen Johnston
CNN Special Investigations Unit
Click for full story and video coverage
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Father of two faces porn charges
By Brad Woodard / 11 News"In addition to having their own children, the district attorney's office says the Tomerlins have hosted as many as five foreign exchange students over the last couple of years from countries like Germany and Russia. All of the students were 16 or younger."
Click for Full Story
Coquille man pleads guilty to sex abuse
By Jolene Guzman, Staff Writer - Serving Oregon's South Coast The World
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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Coquille businessman sent to jail for Sex Abuse charge
Click for full storyStudent Exchange Agency: AYUSA Global Youth Exchange
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Youth coach accused of sodomy, molestation
Youth coach accused of sodomy, molestationA youth baseball coach who has been a fixture in Northern Virginia for nearly 20 years has been charged with molesting children in incidents going back nearly to the beginning of his coaching career.
A youth baseball coach who has been a fixture in Northern Virginia for nearly 20 years has been charged with molesting children in incidents going back nearly to the beginning of his coaching career.
On Friday, June 5, shortly after 10 a.m., detectives charged John E. Hamilton, 37, of Centreville, with two counts of sodomy in connection with an ongoing investigation that has uncovered a growing number of alleged sex-related offenses, at least one dating back nearly 17 years.
The most recent charges of sodomy stem from allegations made by two victims – now adults -- who have come forward. One is now 19 years old and the other is 28. Additional charges have also been filed by another alleged victim. “They have just come forward, one by one,” said Fairfax County Police spokesman Don Gotthardt.
In the case of the 19-year-old, the incidents allegedly occurred from October through December of 2001, when the alleged victim was only 12. The 28-year-old alleges that offenses took place from December 1992 until April of 1993, when he too was 12. Both victims lived in the Hollin Hall area of Alexandria at that time.
According to police, Hamilton coached both young men.
Hamilton has lived in the Northern Virginia area for decades. During that time, he has held several positions in the athletic community working with children.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Hamilton was a baseball coach at Bishop Ireton High School in 1999. The diocese said it was made aware of Hamilton's charges by police. We notified the players from that year and we have put a notice in our bulletin," said Joelle Santolla, director of communications for the diocese. No one there has yet come forth.
Police say that Hamilton's charges do not reflect all of the allegations or all of the potential victims in this case. “Detectives understand that victims may fear coming forward for various reasons, but want to encourage them to do so in order to bring this investigation to a comprehensive, successful conclusion as soon as possible,” police said in a release.
An investigation was originally launched in late February of this year, when a 24-year-old man came forth with allegations more than a decade after being coached by Hamilton. Detectives from the Child Investigations Unit, assisted by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to Hamilton's arrest.
According to the 24-year-old, who was also 12 at the time of the alleged offense, Hamilton engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with him periodically, from March through July of 1997.
One incident allegedly occurred in the parking lot of Carl Sandburg Middle School. Another allegedly took place at Hamilton's home at that time, in the 6600 block of Wakefield Drive in the Belle View area. Hamilton was a Little League baseball coach for the Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association at that time.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Hamilton had a 16-year-old foreign exchange student living with him at the time of his arrest. That student has since been removed from the home by authorities.
Hamilton was arrested at his home on Friday, May 22, shortly before 10 a.m. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery and three counts of taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in custodial or supervisory relationship. He is being held without bond. The sodomy charges were added June 5.
Detectives are asking any concerned parents to call police if they think their children have ever had contact with Hamilton. The investigation continues. Hamilton remains incarcerated at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
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Neb. woman pleads to stealing from students
Associated Press - June 9, 2009
Stealing from exchange students to cost Neb. woman
The Associated Press - June 9, 2009
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: STS Foundation
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Exchange student scandal spurs calls for reforms
Published: June 7, 2009, The Times Tribune
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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AG seeks info from exchange students in neglect case
thetimes-tribune.com
Published: June 3, 2009
Click for Full Story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Click for Full Story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
Exchange student finds fierce defense in host mother
Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune, June 3, 2009
Click for full storyStudent Exchange Agency: American Field Service (AFS)
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Woman admits to sex with exchange student
By Shawn McGrath, The Herald Bulletin
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES)
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Welcome to America (Please Ignore the Dog Shit): S.F.-Based Foreign Exchange Student Organization Ensnared in Housing Scandal
By Anna McCarthy in Law & Order, Local News
Tuesday, Jun. 2 2009Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Local neglect allegations open door to a world where students are shuffled from home to home
The Scranton Times Tribune
Published: May 31, 2009
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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U.S. State Department to investigate local exchange student treatmentPublished: May 31, 2009
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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BY SARAH HOFIUS HALL (STAFF WRITER)
May 30, 2009
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Grand jury investigates neglect claims from exchange students
Foreign exchange students appeared one by one before a grand jury at the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Thursday, as they told their stories of alleged neglect and financial exploitation.
BY SARAH HOFIUS HALL, The Citizens Voice
STAFF WRITER
Friday, May 29, 2009
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Treatment of Foreign Exchange Students Investigated
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Host families probed after reports of student neglect
--------Fairfax County coach accused of child sex abuse
by: FREEMAN KLOPOTT, May 26, 2009, Examiner Staff Writer
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: American International Student Exchange (AISE)
CSFES NOTE: June 8, 2009
John E. Hamilton has recently hosted an exchange student.
If you are a former exchange student who lived with John E. Hamilton, you are encouraged to contact Detective Jeremy Hinson at
703-246-7893 or email: Jeremy.Hinson@fairfaxcounty.govYou are welcome to email a copy to the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students Besafe@csfes.org. Requests to remain anonymous will be respected.
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Exchange program reports abuse
By Jolene Guzman Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Click here for full story
Student Exchange Agency: AYUSA Global Youth Exchange
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Editorial: More regulation needed for exchange programs
The Herald Bulletin
May 20, 2009
Click here for full story
Student Exchange Agency: International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES)
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When a foreign exchange year goes bad
A foreign exchange student's complaints over living conditions he encountered with a local host family is prompting a state investigation
by AIMEE BLANCHETTE, Star Tribune, May 17, 2009
Click here for full story
Student Exchange Agency: Council for Educational Travel USA (CETUSA)
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Foreign Exchange Student Housing Investigation Continues
Reported by:
Thursday, May 14, 2009 @04:23pm
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- The investigation into how foreign exchange students were handled in our area is getting deeper. It was prompted in part by the I-Team. The case involves 12 students who came to the United States for a taste of American life. But there are allegations some of them may have been mistreated.
This started off focusing on living conditions, now the I-Team has confirmed, the case is looking into possible abuse. This is a fast moving investigation, which now involves local, state and federal agencies.
The I-Team first showed you the inside of this house on Myrtle Street in Scranton on Tuesday. It is owned by Edna Burgett who finds temporary homes for foreign exchange students. The 15 year old Nigerian girl who lived here refused to go back. Burgett wanted to show us there was no problem. But we found dog feces all over the home.
Burgett was the area coordinator for a company called the aspect foundation based in California. She has since been fired but many of the students she placed are now coming forward with stories of neglect.Not only is the DA’s office involved so is Lackawanna County Children and Youth Services, and the US State Department, which oversees foreign students.
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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People to People Uses Dead Student's Name as Recruiting Tool
Promise to remove Tayler Hill's name from database goes unfilled
By Lisa Wade McCormickConsumerAffairs.com
Copyright © 2008 ConsumerAffairs.com All Rights Reserved
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: People to People International
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Reported by: Andy Mehalshick, PAHomePage.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 @06:00pm EST
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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I-Team: More Horror Stories From Exchange Students
Reported by: Andy Mehalshick, PAHomePage.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 @04:45pm
Click for full story
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Posted on Tue, May. 12, 2009
Colleyville councilman accused of assaulting exchange student
dbarbee@star-telegram.com
Most-read stories
Colleyville City Councilman Tony Licata is accused of pinning down a foreign exchange student on a bed and touching her inappropriately before she fought him off, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.Licata, 57, resigned Thursday, the same day he was booked. He did not respond to email and phone messages seeking comment.
"Once we have investigated the allegation we'll have more to say," said Stephanie Luce, a Dallas attorney representing Licata. "He is a good and decent man."
The incident happened in November but wasn't reported to police until April, after the student told a counselor. After receiving an emergency report about the situation in November, American Field Service, which arranged for Licata to host the student, moved the student from Licata's home but did not contact police.
According to a Web site, Licata is chairman of the Tarrant County chapter of American Field Service (AFS).
The safety and security of students is the first priority of the service, said Marlene Baker, AFS spokeswoman.
"I can't discuss specifics with you. What I can tell you is that based on information we had at the time that we followed protocol at that time," Baker said. "The protocol included moving the student, notifying the student's parents, notifying the (U.S.) State Department and offering counseling to the student."
Licata was booked at the Tarrant County jail Thursday on an unlawful restraint warrant and posted bond. According to the warrant, Licata rubbbed "over the top of her clothes in places she was not comfortable."
"That's the preliminary charge," said Alan Levy, a Tarrant County prosecutor. "It'll come before the grand jury and they'll make the final decision on what the charge will be."
Elements of a sexual assault allegation may be different than what witnesses have reported, he said.
Here's what happened Nov. 4, according to the arrest warrant affidavit:
About 5:30 p.m., Tony Licata called the girl into his bedroom to show her a cellphone that he had for her. They sat on the end of the bed reading the instruction book.
The girl said she was tired and started to get up. Licatta "grabbed her from behind and began hugging and rubbing her on her breast and stomach," according to the warrant.
The girl struggled and Licata threw her on the bed, got on top of her and began kissing her neck and shoulders, the warrant says. The girl continued to struggle, got free and stood in the corner of the room crying.
The girl went to the home of a friend, who called American Field Service. The agency moved her to Duncanville on an emergency placement, then moved her to a Tarrant County host family.
A counselor reported the allegations to authorities.
On May 1, after interviewing her friend, an investigator for the Tarrant County district attorney's office met the girl at a local high school. The girl volunteered to make a phone call to Licata's cell phone while being recorded. Licata answered the phone.
"He states several times that he was sorry about what had happened and that he had shared with his wife and with a counselor about the incident," according to the warrant. "He said that he had been instructed by AFS not to contact (the girl), but he was concerned for her welfare and wanted to visit with her further..."
Licata was elected to the city council in May 2005. He ran unopposed in 2007 and was re-elected to a three-year term.
Student Exchange Agency: American Field Service (AFS)
*** CSFES Announcement:
Tony Licata has allegedly hosted more than four exchange students.
If you are a former exchange student who was supervised or lived with Tony Licata, you are encouraged to contact Officer Kathy Manning at
817-884-1204 or via email: KManning@tarrantcounty.com. You are welcome to provide a copy to the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students Besafe@csfes.org. Requests to remain anonymous will be respected. ***
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Student exchange group checked host family of alleged sex-crime victim
May 08, 2009 12:50 am, The Herald Bulletin
— ANDERSON — The foreign exchange organization that placed an alleged sex crime victim in the Anderson home where he was reported to have been victimized said on Thursday that it performs background and reference checks before it places a foreign exchange student with a host family.
Bonnie Gunter, director of student affairs for International Cultural Exchange Services, would not talk about the specific case in which host mother and Anderson resident Tricia D. Mallernee, 32, allegedly had sex on a regular basis with the 17-year-old student placed in her care.
Gunter said the organization performs background checks on everyone in the homes who is over 18 years old and checks three references and makes in-home visits prior to the exchange student arriving in America.
Gunter said problems can arise with any exchange organization.
“There are students who are removed or students who the host family and the student are not compatible,” she said. “There are a lot of reasons why a student may need to move to another home.”
But Danielle Grijalva, director and founder of the Committee for the Safety of Foreign Exchange Students, based in California, said instances of abuse among host families are increasing across the country.
“The exchange industry’s lack of child protection issues is astounding,” Grijalva said. “It’s been happening for decades; it’s just unfortunately progressively getting worse. (Child predators) gain access by turning to placement agencies. They can have the student delivered to their door step.”
Grijalva said many times the organizations that place exchange students are partially responsible when they are victimized, offering poor reporting to the correct agencies and even threatening to send them back to their own country if they report a problem.
ICES was the placing agency in a 2008 case where three foreign exchange students were molested by their host father, Grijalva said.
She cited cases across the country, with various placing agencies, where students were living in poor conditions or not able to attend school. She founded the committee to advocate for child protection policies to protect these students, including establishing a way for parents to know they are using a reputable organization to place their children in foreign homes.
“There needs to be a reporting agency so that natural parents can know where to go to find out the reputation, the strength of the agency,” she said. “There needs to be federal laws enacted that protect these exchange students. Sadly, it’s the exchange industry that will step in and interfere.
“It’s all about effective communication, and it’s got to be a huge wake up call.”
Lauren Auld, press secretary for the Indiana Department of Education, said the department collaborates with the U.S. Department of State and the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel to make sure foreign students traveling to Indiana have a safe stay.
The organizations perform background checks and screens families before they are given a student, and they also give approval for any foreign exchange program before it starts.
“We like to think that this is a great program for students to be involved in,” Auld said. “Their safety and making sure they’re comfortable is of the utmost importance to us.”
Gunter said ICES has a 24-hour number that students can call if they have problems with their host families, and each child is assigned to an area representative.
“Local area representatives will contact the national office and let us know of any situation that might require the student to move,” she said. “These are procedures that all exchange programs have.”
In the recent case in Anderson, the youth and Mallernee allegedly engaged in sex about 50 times, according to police documents, including three times on a spring break trip to Florida. Mallernee was arrested on suspicion of Class D felony child seduction and Class A misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor as she allegedly gave the student alcohol before the first time they had sex.
The boy said he was interested in the relationship at first, but became disinterested when he thought Mallernee might be developing emotional ties with him. He continued in the sexual relationship, however, because he thought he would not be able to continue to participate in school activities if he ended it, according to police documents.
The Herald Bulletin generally does not identify the victims of alleged sex crimes.
Mallernee’s phone has been disconnected, and she was unavailable for comment. A message posted on her MySpace page on Thursday said, “Rough couple of days!!!...I hate that I am the one taking all the blame!”
It was unclear if Mallernee was referring to her arrest in the messages. She bonded out of the Madison County Jail on Tuesday.
Grijalva said the Anderson case was disappointing to her and the committee.
“How much has he spent to come to the U.S. to become a victim of sexual abuse?” she said. “It’s very disheartening. Why was this young man groomed for sex for so many months, and why did his cries for help fall on deaf ears?”
Grijalva said cases of abuse against foreign exchange students often go unreported on the parts of both the agency that placed the student and the victim himself due to language barriers, cultural differences and shame.
“Sadly, these cases are unmonitored,” she said. “These kids endure because they are threatened with retaliation and repatriation.”
Contact Aleasha Sandley: 640-4805, aleasha.sandley@heraldbulletin.com.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
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May 07, 2009 12:15 am
Woman allegedly had sex with exchange student
By Shawn McGrath, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — An Anderson woman has been charged with four felony counts of child seduction for allegedly having sex with a foreign exchange student she was hosting in her family’s home.
Madison County sheriff’s deputies arrested Tricia D. Mallernee, 32, at the jail at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday. She posted $500 bond and was released about 30 minutes later.
According to court documents, Mallernee began having sex with the 17-year-old male foreign exchange student about two weeks after his arrival in early July 2008.
The sexual relationship continued through April. Mallernee and the teen had sex in her home and while on a spring vacation in Florida. On one occasion in April, Mallernee had the boy dismissed from school early and the pair had sex at Mounds State Park, according to court documents.
The teen told investigators he initially wanted to be in the relationship. But later he tried to end it, fearing Mallernee was becoming “emotionally attached and he did not feel the same way.”
Mallernee allegedly threatened to have the boy removed from the home if he ended the relationship, law enforcement officials said. He told investigators that he was afraid that moving to a new home would mean having to stop participating in school activities, according to court documents. He continued in the relationship.
Although 17 is old enough to consent to a sexual relationship, because Mallernee was the teen’s host mother, she was considered his legal custodian, making their relationship child seduction under Indiana law.
Mallernee is married, but her husband was very ill during most of her relationship with the teen. The man, who is not named in the court documents, was hospitalized several times, “making Tricia’s activities with (the teen) possible without easy detection,” the court documents state.
The Herald Bulletin doesn’t general identify those suspected of being sex crime victims.
The relationship came to the attention of Indiana Department of Children’s Services case workers, who then contacted police. The teen is no longer living in Mallernee’s home, according to law enforcement officials.
Each count of child seduction is punishable by six months to three years in prison if convicted. Mallernee has not yet been arraigned on the charges.
Prosecutors also alleged she gave the teen alcohol the day of their first encounter. She is also charged with a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Mallernee’s home telephone has been disconnected. She could not be reached for comment. It wasn’t immediately known if she has hired an attorney.
Contact Shawn McGrath: 640-4883, shawn.mcgrath@heraldbulletin.com
Student Exchange Agency: International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES)---------
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED Phil Clapick has been hosting Exchange Students for 25 years. Many of them have attended Canoga where they have added much to the culture of our campus. Next year, Phil will be hosting more students, but he needs your help. ------- Former beach commissioner convicted of assault
Page 1 June 30, 2007 Los Angeles Police Report No.: 070706005373
Page 2 June 30, 2007 Los Angeles Police Report No.: 070706005373
Page 3 June 30, 2007 Los Angeles Police Report No.: 070706005373
By
Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
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Foreign students made sex slaves
Jean Kim, March 3, 2009 Daily Forty-Niner
For Full Story:
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Former Lincoln Coach Accused In Assaults Found Guilty
Sanford Kaplan Tied, Blindfolded Boys
March 2, 2009 KETV.com OMAHA
For Full Story:
Copyright 2009 by KETV.com.
Student Exchange Agency: ERDT/SHARE! High School Exchange Program
--------- Student Exchange Agency: United Student Exchange Reporting by Andrew Martel, The Morning Call, February 27, 2009 A Lehigh County judge has shut down an Allentown foreign exchange student program that had been investigated for treating its students poorly and failing to pay host families and schools. February 20, 2009 PART TWO….There Are Heroes Amongst Us In a sense, we are all victims to this on going problem because the majority of society has been unaware of the facts. Most people have no clue of how these pedophiles are using the exchange program as their new playground for sex games. We only read about the "warm & fuzzy" side of the program with pictures of smiling kids and great experiences. -------
Allentown-based foreign exchange student business ordered to close after lawsuit
By Express-Times staff, Allentown Area News
February 27, 2009
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Lehigh County Judge Shuts Down Exchange Program
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Student Exchange Agency: United Student Exchange
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West Virginia News
Sharing News & Information On WV Government Officials
By Jack Swint & Sam Webber... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com
According to Wikipedia, The literal meaning of the word hero is a"protector," "defender" or "guardian."
West Virginia News
Sharing News & Information On WV Government Officials
What The State Department & Exchange Student Industry Don't Want You To Know..... By, Jack Swint & Sam Webber ... WestVirginiaNews@gmail.com February 13, 2009
PART ONE of our two part story takes you first inside of a multi million dollar industry known on the surface as the National Foreign Exchange Student Program.
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Ft. Lewis Soldier Accused Of Molesting Exchange Student
by KIROTV.com February 11, 2009
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Student Exchange Agency: ASPECT Foundation
Copyright 2009 by KIROTV.com
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Wichita-area former teacher sentenced to 13 years in prison for sex crimes
February 10, 7:33 PM
by Jim Kouri, Law Enforcement Examiner
A well-known local former teacher and debate coach was sentenced Monday to serve more than 13½ years in state prison after being convicted for sex crimes against minors. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Reno,Kansas Sheriff's Office, Buhler Kansas Police Dept, the Wichita Police Department's Exploited and Missing Children's Unit, the Philadelphia (Pa.) Police Department's Special Victims Unit (PPDSVU), San Bernardino California Sheriff's Office, and the Purdue University Police Department.
Richard Young, 68, was convicted Oct. 17 in Reno County, Kansas, on one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor, two counts indecent liberties, and one count of indecent solicitation of a minor. He was sentenced Feb. 9 to serve 164 months in prison.
Young is a resident of Buhler, Kan., and most recently was employed as a teacher and debate coach at Buhler High School. He taught for the past 47 years in various school districts in Kansas. He has hosted as many as 12 foreign exchange students in his home since 1997. Some of those students are residents of Germany, Bolivia and the Netherlands.
The investigation surrounding Young first began after a 16-year-old South Korean student that he sponsored in 2007 was terminated from the exchange program at Young's
"We received incredible cooperation from all the involved law enforcement agencies," said Antonio Farias, resident agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Wichita. "Due to this cooperation, this child molester who betrayed the trust people placed in him, won't be able to victimize any other children."
Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson praised the work done by law enforcement and expressed his appreciation for the courage displayed by both the current victim and the three past victims. "These three gentlemen gave their time and opened old wounds in support of this young foreign exchange student."
This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders, and child sex traffickers. Since Operation Predator was launched in July 2003, ICE agents have arrested more than 11,600 individuals.
Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he's a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). In addition, he's the blog editor for the House Conservatives Fund's weblog. Recently, the editors Examiner.com appointed him as their Law Enforcement Examiner. Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.
He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He's a news writer for NewswithViews.com and PHXnews.com. He's also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he's syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 300 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri's own website is located at http://jimkouri.us Student Exchange Agency: Face The World Far from home and on their own January 9, 2009 by Courtney Baca, Staff Writer MyWestTexas.news Click for full story Student Exchange Agency: Council for Educational Travel USA
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Sentencing Delayed For Ex-Debate Coach At Buhler Student Exchange Agency: United Student Exchange
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Jury: Former Izard Co. teacher 'guilty'
By Joanne Bratton - Bulletin Staff Writer January 10, 2009
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Student Exchange Agency:
Student American International, Incorporated (SAI)
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Reporter: Associated Press Email address: news@kake.com January 8, 2009
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Student Exchange Agency: Face The World
Note from CSFES: To learn more, refer to our News 2008 page to read, "Sex case reveals the 'dark side' of student exchange -- Former Buhler debate coach's conviction comes as group pushes for program regulation" by Jon Ruhlen - The Hutchinson News, published November 1, 2008
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Allentown couple should pay restitution in troubled foreign student exchange program, prosecutor says
By Kevin Amerman
Of The Morning Call, January 8, 2009
The state attorney general's office asked a Lehigh County judge on Wednesday to permanently bar an Allentown couple from hosting or placing any more foreign exchange students, saying the couple treated young foreigners poorly and failed to pay host families and schools.
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Two testify at sex trial
By Angelia Roberts Guard Managing Editor
Batesville Daily Guard, January 6, 2009
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Student Exchange Agency:
Student American International, Incorporated (SAI)
