International outrage has surfaced following reports of the arrest of William James Purdy, a former missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who is accused of sexually abusing 14 boys in Tonga.
As reported by Kaniva News yesterday, documents from the U.S. Department of Justice state that Purdy first travelled to Tonga in 2017, on a missionary assignment.
During his mission, he allegedly groomed and sexually abused boys as young as eight, using gifts such as toys, electronics, and money to gain their trust.
After returning to the U.S., Purdy, 28, went back to Tonga in 2019 and resumed work as a teacher, continuing his abuse under the guise of tutoring and mentorship.
Authorities say Purdy secretly recorded minors in his bathroom and created child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was initially arrested by the Tonga Police in 2022 after an eight-year-old boy disclosed the abuse.
However, Purdy fled Tonga in 2023 using a falsified passport, evading trial and returning to the U.S., where he enrolled in law school.
In Tonga, shock and outrage have been widely expressed on social media, with many furious over the revelation that the missionary had abused the boys.
Groups Praise Joint Arrest Effort
The Tonga Ministry of Police commended the efforts of the local team, alongside U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, in arresting a former missionary accused of heinous crimes against children.
This case highlights the vital importance of international cooperation in delivering justice and protecting the most vulnerable, it said.
Libertas International, a nonprofit organisation combating child exploitation, commended the arrest and praised the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Justice, and Tonga Police.
“This case reflects a growing commitment to hold predators accountable,” said a spokesperson from Libertas.
“We stand with the courageous survivors who came forward and will continue to support justice and healing”.
Libertas International continues to work closely with survivors, law enforcement, and government partners to ensure justice is served and healing is possible.
“We are thankful to Homeland Security Investigations in Salt Lake City for their work on this case.”
