Former US diplomat sentenced to life for abusing two girls in Burkina Faso
He used the girls' mother's life-threatening illness as an opportunity to demand sex, said the US Office of Public Affairs.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"His crimes were reprehensible. While no sentence could undo the harm he caused, today's outcome demonstrates that those who abuse children – domestically or abroad – will face significant consequences in the American justice system."
— A Tysen Duva , Other
"Our message is clear, those who prey on our children will pay a hefty price."
— Kelly Hayes , Other
"'The defendant, while representing the U.S. government abroad, violently sexually abused two acutely vulnerable child victims.'"
— A. Tysen Duva , Other
"His crimes were reprehensible. While no sentence could undo the harm he caused, today's outcome demonstrates that those who abuse children – domestically or abroad – will face significant consequences in the American justice system."
— A Tysen Duva , Other
"Our message is clear, those who prey on our children will pay a hefty price."
— Kelly Hayes , Other
"The defendant, while representing the U.S. government abroad, violently sexually abused two acutely vulnerable child victims."
— A. Tysen Duva , Other
"Our message is clear, those who prey on our children will pay a hefty price."
— Kelly O. Hayes , Executive
"The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is committed to protecting the integrity of U.S. diplomatic missions."
— George Semertsidis , Executive
"Protecting children and safeguarding vulnerable populations from sexual exploitation and abuse is a core priority of the U.S. Agency for International Development Office of Inspector General."
— Laura Rousseau , Executive
"HSI remains steadfast in its efforts to combat child exploitation and ensure that those who harm children are held fully accountable."
— John Condon , Executive
"His crimes were reprehensible. While no sentence could undo the harm he caused, today's outcome demonstrates that those who abuse children – domestically or abroad – will face significant consequences in the American justice system."
— A Tysen Duva , Other
"Our message is clear, those who prey on our children will pay a hefty price."
— Kelly Hayes , Other
Key People
Assistant Attorney General who commented on the sentencing.
An Assistant Attorney General who condemned Mara's actions following his sentencing.
A United States citizen convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls while working at the US embassy in Burkina Faso.
Deputy Assistant Director of the DSS Office of Special Investigations.
Acting Executive Director of Homeland Security Investigations.
Hayes is a US Attorney who commented on Bolton's handling of classified information.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.
Acting Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations at USAID OIG.
Tags
All Coverage
He used the girls' mother's life-threatening illness as an opportunity to demand sex, said the US Office of Public Affairs.
Fode Sitafa Mara, a former U.S. embassy employee, was sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing two teenage girls in Burkina Faso, exploiting their mother's illness to coerce them into sexual acts.
Fode Sitafa Mara, 41, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls while working at the U.S. embassy in Burkina Faso.
Fode Sitafa Mara, 41, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls while working at the U.S. embassy in Burkina Faso. The abuse occurred in 2022 and 2023, exploiting the victims' vulnerable circumstances.
Fode Sitafa Mara, 41, was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting two minor girls in Burkina Faso in 2022 and 2023. He was convicted of multiple counts, including aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and attempted obstruction of justice.
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