Kiwi teenager intercepted at LAX on way to meet registered sex offender

U.S. official sent a kiwi teen sent home after trying to meet with a registered sex offender. Photo / 123RF

American authorities have stopped a New Zealand teenager at LAX Airport from entering the US to meet a registered sex offender.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted a 17-year-old male citizen of New Zealand on Monday.

The teen - who was traveling alone with only $26 - flew on a one-way ticket and told authorities he was visiting a male family member in Michigan.

He said he had met the man on social media websites around four years ago and they had never met in person.

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CBP officers found the male member of the family was a registered sex offender and was also convicted of second degree sexual assault.

The offender was convicted for sexual conduct with a person under 13-years-old in 2001.

Authorities sent the teenager home to his caregiver.

New Zealand Police said they were aware of the incident and enquiries were ongoing.

"CBP follows strict federal standards in the protection and well-being of minors traveling alone," said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.

"Minors are particularly vulnerable to sexual predators that commonly present themselves as individuals they can trust.

"CBP officers took decisive action to protect a potential victim from a convicted criminal."