A Phnom Penh court has sentenced an American English teacher and his Cambodian accomplice to lengthy prison terms for the sexual exploitation of at least 20 boys, in a case that has drawn international attention. On 25 June, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court handed down a 10‑year sentence to William Chandler White, 27, originally from Jacksonville, Florida. White, who had been working at a private English school in the capital, was convicted of engaging in child prostitution under Cambodia’s anti‑trafficking law. He will be deported once his sentence is complete. His co‑accused, Pen Chanrith, 22, from Por Senchey district, received 12 years in prison for his role in procuring minors and producing child pornography. Both men were arrested in August 2024 by the Anti‑Human Trafficking and Minors Protection Police, working alongside the Child Protection Unit (CPU). Exploitation network exposedDuring the trial, both defendants admitted their crimes. Chanrith confessed to bringing around 20 street boys, aged between 14 and 18, to White in exchange for a commission of 30 dollars per child. White told the court he paid each boy about 100 dollars for sex, choosing them from photos Chanrith posted on Telegram. White, who arrived in Cambodia as a tourist before finding work as a teacher, acknowledged his actions and said he would not appeal for leniency. “I accept the mistakes and I will not ask the court to reduce my sentence. I ask the court to decide it in accordance with Cambodia’s laws,” he told the judges. Strong message from authoritiesJames McCabe, Director of the CPU, welcomed the verdict, stressing that it sends a clear warning to offenders. “These sentences send a clear message that those who seek to exploit children in Cambodia, whether foreign nationals or local facilitators, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said. He praised the Cambodian National Police and government investigators for their dedication in securing justice for the victims. Cambodia’s wider challengeThe case highlights Cambodia’s ongoing struggle against child exploitation, a problem that has tarnished the country’s reputation and drawn criticism from international watchdogs. Authorities have stepped up cooperation with foreign agencies to track offenders and dismantle networks, but campaigners say more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children. For now, the conviction of White and Chanrith stands as a reminder that Cambodia is prepared to act decisively against those who prey on minors, regardless of nationality. -2026-06-28
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