A former diplomat who also worked as a World Bank consultant and volunteered with youth swim teams in the Washington, D.C., area has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing three children under the age of 10.

The 42-year-old, an Australian national, was taken into custody last month following a police investigation. He faces two counts of first-degree child sexual abuse and one count of second-degree child sexual abuse for alleged incidents occurring between February 2023 and July 13, 2025.

Authorities say all three minors lived in a Northwest Washington neighborhood near the accused, his wife, and their three young sons. The arrest has rattled the city’s youth swimming community, where the man was known as a dedicated parent and frequent volunteer — serving as a race timer, team photographer, and supportive presence at local meets.

Two teams he had assisted, All Star Aquatics and MVP Dolphins, have since sent emails to families urging them to contact police with any relevant information.

Court records indicate that police first sought a warrant in November 2023 after one of the alleged victims, a 7-year-old girl, reported that she had been assaulted during a playdate at his home. At the time, prosecutors declined to bring charges, citing the difficulty of meeting the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard.

More than two years later, fresh allegations from three children — two girls and one boy — have led to the current charges. Prosecutors revealed in a court filing last week that a fourth child has since come forward with similar claims, though no additional charges have yet been filed.

According to affidavits, the incidents took place during casual visits to the accused’s home, where the children would watch movies, play video games, or engage in pretend games.

“The only thing you can do is just cry,” said the mother of two of the alleged victims, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect her children’s identities. “I feel like I failed as a mother by trusting this person.”

In statements to investigators, the mother described initially trusting the man and his family implicitly. They had met through their children’s elementary school and bonded over shared activities, including swimming and skiing. “If there was a family we could trust, it must be this one,” she recalled telling her husband.

That trust, she said, was shattered on July 13. According to court documents, she allowed her children to go to the man’s apartment while she rested. When she arrived later to pick them up, she found her daughter in a bedroom with him. The girl later told her parents and police that he had touched her inappropriately “more than one time,” describing it as “weird and hurtful.”

The family’s 9-year-old son also disclosed that he had been abused while playing video games at the man’s home in 2024. He said he had not reported it at the time but came forward after hearing about his sister’s experience.

Investigators learned that in June 2025, just weeks before the most recent incident, the children’s mother had been warned by a neighbor about a prior abuse allegation against the man. The mother told police she and her husband decided to give him “the benefit of the doubt” — a decision she now regrets.

Prosecutors have described the accused as a “significant flight risk,” citing his ties to the Australian Embassy and concerns that he could obtain another passport if released. They also noted that his wife reportedly plans to relocate to Japan and then Australia, and that his parents have been packing up his apartment.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is aware of the arrest and is prepared to offer consular assistance. The World Bank, where he was formerly employed, issued a statement emphasizing its “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation” and confirmed that his employment ended immediately upon learning of the charges.

During a court appearance last Thursday, the man wore an orange jumpsuit and remained silent. His attorney withdrew a request to modify his release conditions, and he will remain in custody without bond. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 26.

The mother of two of the alleged victims said she feels some relief knowing he is behind bars but remains haunted by the events. “I’m not going to trust my kids with anyone anymore, at all,” she said. “If I could only turn back time … but it’s already happened. He wore a good disguise.”

Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.