WILDWOOD, NJ MAN CONVICTED IN CHILD SEX TOURISM CASE

Press Release

August 10, 2007

On Friday, August 3, in a Federal Court in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts against Anthony Mark Bianchi, who was accused of committing sexual crimes against minors in both Moldova and Romania.  He was convicted of all ten counts against him, which included traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct (4 counts), engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place (3 counts), using a facility in foreign commerce to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity (2 counts), and conspiracy.

Bianchi committed his crimes in Moldova and Romania.  He was charged under a 2003 federal law that makes it illegal for Americans to commit sexual crimes against children in foreign countries.  Eight of the victims, some from Moldova, crossed the globe to share their horrifying ordeal with an American jury. 

“Sexual predators are a threat no matter the country in which they choose to commit their crimes.  What makes this case so reprehensible is that this defendant preyed on uniquely vulnerable children away from the spotlight of our justice system.  It is gratifying that with its verdict, the jury has sent a strong message of deterrence; that Americans will not tolerate countrymen who travel overseas to pursue their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan.

The sentencing guidelines Bianchi faces range from 24.3 to 30.4 years.  He also faces a minimum mandatory of 5 years for counts 9 and 10.  His sentencing is scheduled for November 1st.    

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael L. Levy and Kenya S. Mann.  The investigating agency was Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case also received assistance from the following: U.S. Embassy Moldova, U.S. Embassy Romania, the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, the Moldovan Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons, the Romanian Organized Crime Police, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and North Wildwood Police Department.

The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to H.E. President Vladimir Voronin for his direct support of this case.  We also extend our deep appreciation to Moldovan officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons, the Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Ministry of Informational Development, and the Border Guards Service. 

We would also like to thank the Supreme Court of Justice, the Chisinau Court of Appeals, the First Instance Court of Orhei, and the First Instance Court of Centru District, Chisinau Municipality.

The unwavering support of all of the Moldovan officials, ministries, and courts--throughout this case--resulted in justice being served to the Moldovan citizens who were victimized.