U.S. citizen jailed in Honduras over child porn allegations

A citizen of the United States was jailed in Honduras for allegedly possessing child pornography and possible involvement in human trafficking after authorities found a semi-clothed minor in his apartment.

Gary Lee Johnston, 63, was arrested in the Caribbean island of Roatan on August 29, said Honduras Deputy Security Minister Julissa Villanueva.

Police were investigating the disappearance of a young woman earlier this year, leading them to his apartment. When they searched it, however, they found a 12-year-old girl.

“There is overwhelming witness, documental, and technological evidence that shows his connection to the crimes of which he is accused,” Villanueva said of Johnston.

Villanueva added that the FBI had posted alerts claiming that Johnston consumed and produced child pornography.

“He did not act alone,” Villanueva said. “He is part of an international network that is being investigated,” she said.

The investigation into the missing woman, Angie Peña, started when she disappeared while riding a personal watercraft on January 1. Initially, authorities believed she had drowned. However, her body was never found.

Honduran authorities now believe that Peña could still be alive but is being sexually exploited.

Johnston had been living in Roatan for almost six years, where he owns a condominium.