LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara man is charged with advertising on Craigslist for a guide who would help him find children to have sex with in Thailand.
Michael Patrick Mahoney had his bond set at $100,000 Monday in federal court in Los Angeles. He was arrested Saturday by federal agents at Los Angeles International Airport after he boarded a flight for Bangkok. He was carrying children's stuffed animals, Disneyland shirts and chocolates.
The 51-year-old faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of a child sex tourism charge.
The investigation into Mahoney began last week after immigration officials noticed his ad on the Craigslist Web site.
Officials say an undercover agent posed as a travel guide and sent an e-mail offering to arrange meetings with children.
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