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Santa Barbara Man Faces Sex Tourism Charges

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Aug 19, 2008 7:59 am US/Pacific

Santa Barbara Man Faces Sex Tourism Charges

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― 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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