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R.I. man accused of soliciting boy for sex in Brazil

Bryan Monaghan

Story Created: Apr 9, 2008 at 8:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 9, 2008 at 8:19 PM EST

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) - A Brazilian judge has issued an arrest warrant for a U.S. immigration officer from Rhode Island who is accused of soliciting an 11-year-old boy for sex in Rio de Janeiro.

Police inspector Jairo Pessanha said 43-year-old Michael Joseph Clifford of Providence is accused of taking the boy to his Copacabana hotel room last month and paying $175 for sex with him. Clifford is accused of child sex exploitation and sexual abuse of minors.

The Associated Press left messages seeking comment at several
phone numbers listed under Clifford's name in the Providence area, but they were not immediately returned. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Washington said the agent has been placed on leave while it conducts its own investigation.

Pessanha said the suspect traveled to Brazil frequently to escort deported illegal immigrants.

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Thursday, Jun 12 at 7:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...

6/12/2008 This guy lives in Hull, Ma is married with an adopted daughter. Yesterday ICE raided his house looking for his computer and any storage devices.

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