New Zealand hostel owner sexually assaulted young backpackers

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

New Zealand hostel owner drugged, molested, filmed at least 16 male backpackers: police

Michael Harris, 56, carried out the disturbing acts over some 30 months at his Mainstreet Lodge in the North Island town of Kaitaia, police said. The men were between ages18 and 25 and may not even have known they were assaulted, police said.

MAINSTREETLODGE.CO.NZ

Mike Harris, owner of the Mainstreet Lodge in Kaitaia, New Zealand, has been arrested for allegedly drugging, indecently assaulting and filming male backpackers who stayed at the hostel.
A New Zealand hostel owner faces dozens of charges for drugging at least 16 male backpackers, then sexually assaulting them and filming the incidents, police said.

Officials fear 56-year-old Michael Harris spent some 30 months carrying out the disturbing acts on 18- to 25-year-old travelers staying at his North Island lodge.

Most of the men were from overseas and there could be more victims who stayed at the Mainstreet Lodge in Kaitaia, police said.

"These victims are unlikely to know that something has happened to them, although they may have suspicions,” Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnson said in a statement Wednesday. “We will deal sensitively with them and offer all appropriate support required.”

Among the 16 rooms and 65 beds at the lodge are backpacking facilities and hotel units. Police say Harris would allow some travelers to stay longer in the owner’s residence. Men who stayed there are likely among those assaulted.

ONENEWS

Police are looking for other victims who stayed at the hostel.
“Mainstreet Lodge is a great option for budget conscious travellers and backpackers, and a great place to connect with other travellers,” the hostel’s website reads. “It is also a fantastic option for families who can have their own rooms, as well as enjoying interaction with the other guests.”

Harris was kept in custody after a court appearance Wednesday, during which he was slapped with 39 charges including aggravated wounding, making of intimate visual recordings, possession of intimate visual recordings and indecent assault.

He’s next due in Kaitaia District Court on Sept. 18.

Anyone who fears they may have been a victim after staying at the Mainstreet Lodge over the last few years is encouraged to email operationsnap@police.govt.nz.
sgoldstein@nydailynews.com



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