Walter Lee Williams, USC teacher wanted by FBI on child sex charges, arrested in Mexico (VIDEO)

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The World

A former University of Southern California professor on the FBI's 10 Most-Wanted Fugitives list over alleged sexual exploitation of children has been caught in the Mexican resort city of Playa del Carmen.

The arrest of Walter Lee Williams, 64, who is accused of engaging in sex acts via webcam and in person with underage boys in the Philippines, comes a day after he was placed on the most-wanted list. 

Mexican Prosecutor Gaspar Armando Garcia Torres said Williams was captured while drinking coffee near a park in the Caribbean beach town.

Williams, who also had an address in Cancun, like Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo, has been turned over to Mexican immigration officials.

While he did not say whether Williams is suspected of committing any crimes in Mexico, Garcia told reporters:

"This person is wanted by the FBI because he is linked to the sexual exploitation of children."

A federal arrest warrant was issued over a four-count federal indictment filed April 30 alleging crimes involving two 14-year-old boys whom Williams met online in 2010 and then traveled to the Philippines to meet. 

There, he engaged in sexual acts with them and took photos, which he brought back to the US, the indictment says.

Williams taught anthropology, gender studies and history at USC.

FBI Special Agent Jeff Yesensky said:

"Because of his status, he has the means and access to children, and that's what makes him dangerous. He preys on the most vulnerable children."

He fled Los Angeles after he was questioned by FBI agents.

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