Diplomat accused of using status for sex

A U.S. Foreign Service officer stationed in Brazil and Congo used his status to pressure female visa applicants for sex, according to federal charges unsealed Friday.

Gons G. Nachman, 42, of Alexandria, is charged in U.S. District Court with misuse of his diplomatic passport, making false statements and possessing child pornography.

Nachman was ordered jailed pending a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Court records reflect that a defense lawyer has not yet been appointed.

According to the affidavit, Nachman made a habit of pressuring and pursuing sexual relationships with attractive female visa applicants while stationed in Rio de Janeiro.

Two applicants interviewed by federal agents said Nachman "persistently pursued these female applicants despite his position as U.S. Vice Consul who was personally handling these still pending immigration visa cases."

One of the women told agents that Nachman "took advantage of her and he instructed her that, if questioned, she should deny knowing him personally."

Nachman admitted to having sexual relationships with two women, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit also says that Nachman helped a woman from the Congo file a false refugee application with the Brazilian government so she could work for Nachman while he was stationed in Rio de Janeiro.

While she was employed by him, the woman said Nachman made her film and photograph his sexual encounters with women, some as young as 15, in late 2006 and early 2007.

Also, agents filed a search warrant for items Nachman had shipped to the Port of Baltimore and found videotapes of Nachman having sexual intercourse with a Congolese girl in 2004, when he was assigned to the Congo. Agents tracked down and interviewed the girl, who said she was 17 at the time the tape was made, according to the affidavit.

One of the tapes depicting the sex acts was labeled "Congo 2004 Sexual Adventures," according to the affidavit.

Court records indicate that Nachman was ordered to stop performing his duties as a Foreign Service officer in September. The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, which investigated the case, did not immediately respond to phone messages left Friday seeking comment.