International Fugitive Arrested for Child Exploitation Charges

Canadian authorities arrested Donald Steven Lang, an alleged child predator, after a collaboration with the FBI. Lang, 62, faced accusations of exploiting a child on his sailboat. He was detained at the request of the United States, ending a far-reaching search that spanned multiple countries.

Lang, who holds both U.S. and Canadian citizenship, was previously indicted in Hawaii for one count of sexual exploitation of children. Authorities believe he exploited a minor on his 55-foot sailboat, named Ishi, between September and December 2024.

The FBI warned that Lang was an international sailor, often docking in Hawaii. They suspected he might sail toward places like Fiji, Papua New Guinea, or Indonesia to avoid capture. His connections extended to locations such as Hawaii, Idaho, Washington state, California, the Marquesas Islands, Mexico, and Canada.

Prosecutors claim Lang attempted to persuade, induce, or coerce a minor for the purpose of creating explicit content. His indictment calls for the forfeiture of his sailboat, along with digital devices like a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra phone, upon conviction.

Besides the Hawaii case, Lang faced charges in Idaho, including three counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16 and one count of sexual battery of a minor, related to offenses between 2003 and 2007.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized the priority of protecting children from sexual predators. He expressed determination to return Lang to the U.S. for trial. FBI Criminal Assistant Director Heith Janke noted multiple victims had accused Lang of sexual abuse.

The arrest was a result of collective efforts by the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Pacific Region, including assistance from other Canadian police detachments. The FBI had previously offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to Lang’s capture, considering him a flight risk.

If convicted in the Hawaii case, Lang faces a mandatory sentence of at least 15 years in prison, with a potential maximum of 30 years, as well as fines and long-term supervised release.