Edmond man accused of sex crimes in Kenya to remain in federal custody

By Matt Dinger
NewsOK
August 05, 2014

http://newsok.com/edmond-man-accused-of-sex-crimes-in-kenya-to-remain-in-federal-custody/article/5130588

Matthew Lane Durham was charged last month in Oklahoma City federal court with four counts of traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Tuesday, Durham was charged with additional counts of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places and aggravated sexual abuse.

He was scheduled to be released on $10,000 bail Tuesday afternoon by a judge, but prosecutors appealed the decision.

A second judge issued an order Tuesday halting Durham’s release until the appeal can be heard.

Prosecutors argue that Durham confessed to committing the acts both in writing and on video. He has also repeatedly threatened to burn down the house of a witness, according to the appeal.

Durham has also admitted a lifelong desire to touch children, which he blames on his “inner demon,” the appeal states.

Prosecutors argue Durham is a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Defense attorney Stephen Jones contends that his client would be placed under house arrest in the custody of his father and would not have access to cellphones or a computer, court records show.

Durham also has no prior criminal history and did not flee between the time he returned home and the time he was charged, Jones wrote.

Durham is accused of committing sex acts with four to 10 children of both sexes. The children range in age from 4 to 9 years old. The crimes reportedly occurred while Durham was on his fourth volunteer trip to the Upendo Children’s Home in Nairobi between April and June.

The home, which is funded through sponsorships and donations, provides neglected Kenyan children with food, housing, clothing, education and religious instruction.

Durham faces up to life in prison if convicted.