Donald Steven Lang, a 62-year-old dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, has been arrested in Canada in connection with federal child exploitation charges originating in Hawaii. The FBI had warned that Lang, who is known for globetrotting on his sailboat, might have been attempting to evade authorities by sailing across the Pacific Ocean.
Lang was indicted on August 20 in Hawaii on one count of sexual exploitation of children. Prosecutors allege that between September and December 2024, he exploited a minor aboard his 55-foot sailboat, identified as the Ishi. The Department of Justice stated that Lang was known to sail globally and frequently stopped in Hawaii, but the FBI's search for him extended beyond the islands. The bureau had indicated that Lang, last seen in Hawaii in January 2025, could have been sailing between Hawaii and destinations such as Fiji, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, or Indonesia, with known connections in Hawaii, Idaho, Washington state, California, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, Mexico, and Canada.
Federal prosecutors claim Lang attempted to and knowingly used, persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions. The indictment specifies his vessel as a 1985 Taylor Hatfield oceangoing sailing vessel. Authorities are seeking the forfeiture of the boat, digital devices, and storage media if Lang is convicted.
In addition to the Hawaii charges, Lang was already wanted in Idaho. Kootenai County prosecutors filed charges against him in April 2025, including three counts of lewd conduct toward a minor under 16 and one count of sexual battery of a minor, stemming from allegations of sexual assault between 2003 and 2007. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized that protecting children from sexual predators is a top priority and vowed to work with law enforcement partners to bring Lang to justice.
The FBI offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Lang's arrest and had cautioned that he should be considered an escape risk. His apprehension was the result of cooperation between the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Pacific Region, with assistance from several RCMP detachments. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also played a role in securing the arrest.
If convicted in the Hawaii case, Lang faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a potential maximum of 30 years. He could also be subject to a fine of up to $250,000 and a period of supervised release ranging from five years to life.