Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Children in Washington, D.C.

A 42-year-old man, Thomas Mahony, who previously worked as a diplomat and a World Bank consultant, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse. The Australian national is alleged to have assaulted three children under the age of 10 during visits to his family home in Washington, D.C.

According to reports, Mahony abused two 7-year-old girls and an 8-year-old boy on separate occasions in 2023 and 2025. The incidents reportedly took place during playdates while the children were at his residence, with one reported incident involving an assault in November 2023 that was reported to authorities. The other alleged assaults occurred in February 2023 and July 2025.

Parents of the victims described initially trusting Mahony, who was involved in the community as a volunteer and parent. One mother stated she once considered him “a hero of the community” before discovering his alleged abuse, which she said happened while her children watched movies or played video games.

Details of the July incident emerged when Mahony’s behavior was observed by the mother’s husband, who found Mahony acting nervously after her daughter was in a room with him. The parents later spoke to their daughter, emphasizing that no one is permitted to touch her inappropriately. Mahony was later detained and faced court, with prosecutors citing concerns over his potential flight risk.

Mahony, who has a background as an economist and diplomat, had his employment with the World Bank terminated shortly after his arrest. Court records show he is currently facing two counts of first-degree child sexual abuse and one count of second-degree child sexual abuse, with a court hearing scheduled for August 26.