Priest Charged with Alleged Sexual Abuse of Filipino Children

Kenneth B. Hendricks, a 77-year-old American priest from Cincinnati, has been charged with federal criminal offenses related to the alleged sexual abuse of minor children. The charges stem from an international investigation conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Philippine authorities. Hendricks was arrested in the Philippines, where he served as a missionary priest.

The federal complaint, supported by an affidavit, alleges that Hendricks engaged in sexual exploitation of multiple Filipino children. The investigation began on November 13, when ICE HSI received information about the abuse. According to the documents, the priest was identified as the perpetrator, and several victims came forward with statements detailing the abuse.

One victim reported being sexually abused by Hendricks since he was 12 years old. Another stated that the abuse began when he was seven. The allegations include instances of anal and oral sex, as well as the insertion of a hose and fingers into the victim’s anus. Other accounts describe mutual masturbation and sexual contact escalating from kissing to more severe acts.

Hendricks is alleged to have lived with several minor children and required them to take baths together, during which he allegedly sexually assaulted them alone or with other children. The victims claim Hendricks threatened them with imprisonment if they disclosed the abuse.

In a recorded conversation with one victim, Hendricks reportedly said, “This may be the scenario…” The statement, though incomplete, suggests an attempt to intimidate the victim. The investigation highlights the gravity of the alleged actions and the need for accountability.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)