U.S. pedophile wanted in Bali

DENPASAR, Bali: Police are tracking down an American social worker wanted for sexually harassing 180 local children of both sexes over the past two years.

The pedophile that Antara identified as James PT, 35, has proudly claimed to have slept with 180 girls between the ages of 12 and 14.

James is known to be a polite and generous social worker belonging to the Guam-based Smile of a Child Foundation which helps neglected children in the rural areas of Bali.

His rented house in the Kuta area accommodates scores of children, the report said.

The police began their search for James after one of the children claimed she was forced to watch James have sexual intercourse with another child.

"We are collecting evidence," said Dali police chief Maj. Gen. Benyamin Pamuaya.

In addition to James, the police are also investigating reports that another social worker from France has also sexually assaulted dozens of children under his care. (pan)