Kenyan Man Arrested in US Over Child Sex Scandal

A 38-year-old Kenyan mechanic has been arrested and charged after allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor in an elaborate undercover operation conducted by US federal authorities.

Stanley Amalemba Ambeyi thought he was communicating with a woman through an online dating platform in December 2024, but he was actually chatting with undercover agents participating in Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative targeting illegal immigrants and transnational criminal networks.

The operation took a disturbing turn when the supposed woman offered to connect Ambeyi with her 15-year-old niece.

After days of conversation, Ambeyi allegedly propositioned the minor and offered to pay $150 for sexual favors, unaware he was communicating with federal agents.

On December 19, 2024, Ambeyi drove nearly 80 kilometers from his Birmingham, Alabama residence to Blount County, Tennessee, believing he would meet the teenager.

Instead, he walked into a carefully orchestrated sting operation at a house rigged with surveillance equipment.

The dramatic arrest was captured on camera for Emmy Award-winning television host Chris Hansen’s web series “Takedown with Chris Hansen.”

Hansen, who has built a career exposing would-be sex offenders, confronted Ambeyi with evidence of their online conversations while federal agents prepared to make the arrest.

When authorities searched Ambeyi, they discovered a loaded handgun on his person.

His white Toyota Land Cruiser contained additional concerning items including a machete, lubricant, and condoms.

Ambeyi claimed he carried weapons for protection due to safety concerns in his Birmingham neighborhood and Bessemer workplace.

The self-taught mechanic, who learned his trade through YouTube videos, initially attempted to deny the allegations, claiming he was there to meet the minor’s aunt.

However, confronted with chat logs and other evidence, he eventually acknowledged that his actions would likely result in deportation from the United States.

Sheriff Mark Moon, who participated in the arrest, expressed disappointment that someone seeking the American dream would engage in criminal behavior that destroys such opportunities.

On May 22, 2025, Ambeyi appeared in federal court in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm.

Magistrate Judge Gray M. Borden ordered him detained pending the resolution of his case, citing sufficient evidence of probable cause.

Ambeyi remains in federal custody represented by a court-appointed attorney as his case proceeds through the judicial system.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​