Donald Steven Lang, a 62-year-old dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, was arrested in Canada over the weekend after authorities in Hawaii indicted him on a child sexual exploitation charge. Investigators said Lang had traveled internationally aboard a 55-foot sailboat and might use Pacific routes to avoid capture. The arrest followed cooperation between U.S. authorities and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Lang was indicted on Aug. 20. He was also wanted in Idaho in a separate case involving allegations from 2003 to 2007. The Hawaii charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years if he is convicted.
| 1) | Arrest in Canada |
|---|---|
| 2) | Hawaii indictment and sailboat allegations |
| 3) | International search and possible routes |
| 4) | Separate Idaho case and potential penalties |
| 5) | Law enforcement cooperation and next steps |
Arrest in Canada
Donald Steven Lang was taken into custody in Canada at the request of the United States. The arrest ended an international search involving a man who holds both U.S. and Canadian citizenship and was known to travel by sailboat. Authorities did not provide details about the arrest circumstances or identify the next court date.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pacific Region assisted in the operation. Participating units included Tofino general duty, the Island District General Investigation Section, the Nanaimo detachment and the Island District Emergency Response Team. The U.S. Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also helped secure the arrest.
Hawaii Indictment and Sailboat Allegations
A federal grand jury in Hawaii indicted Lang on one count of sexual exploitation of children. Prosecutors allege that, between September and December 2024, he attempted to or knowingly used, persuaded, induced, enticed or coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce visual depictions.
The alleged conduct occurred aboard the Ishi, a 55-foot, 1985 Taylor Hatfield oceangoing sailing vessel. Lang was last seen aboard the boat in Hawaii in January 2025. Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of the vessel and digital evidence, including a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and other storage media, if he is convicted. The allegations have not been resolved in court.
International Search and Possible Routes
Investigators expanded the search after Lang disappeared from view aboard the Ishi. Authorities warned that he could have sailed between Hawaii and Fiji or Mexico, traveled toward Papua New Guinea, or continued to Indonesia. His reported connections included Hawaii, Idaho, Washington state, California, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, Mexico and Canada.
The search covered a wide area because of the vessel’s ocean-going design and Lang’s history of sailing around the world. Authorities offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest and warned that he should be considered an escape risk. Information sharing between agencies in the United States and Canada preceded the arrest.
Separate Idaho Case and Potential Penalties
Lang was also wanted in Idaho in an unrelated case. Kootenai County prosecutors charged him in April 2025 with three counts of lewd conduct toward a minor under 16 and one count of sexual battery of a minor. The charges concern allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor between 2003 and 2007.
If Lang is convicted in Hawaii, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. He could also receive a fine of up to $250,000 and supervised release lasting from five years to life. The available announcement did not detail possible Idaho penalties. Lang is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Law Enforcement Cooperation and Next Steps
The investigation involved federal prosecutors, the FBI, Canadian police and Justice Department officials responsible for international legal coordination. Authorities said the arrest was intended to return Lang to the United States to face the Hawaii charges. The Idaho case remains a separate legal matter, and the transfer process will depend on Canadian proceedings.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said protecting children from sexual predators was a high priority and that authorities would continue working with law enforcement partners to return Lang for trial. FBI Criminal Assistant Director Heith Janke said Lang had been accused by multiple victims of sexually abusing minors and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to investigating crimes against children.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lang was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States. |
| 2 | He was indicted in Hawaii on one child sexual exploitation charge. |
| 3 | Prosecutors linked the Hawaii allegation to the 55-foot sailboat Ishi. |
| 4 | Lang also faces a separate child abuse case in Idaho. |
| 5 | A Hawaii conviction could result in 15 to 30 years in prison. |
Summary
Lang’s arrest in Canada followed an international search prompted by allegations in Hawaii and an earlier case in Idaho. U.S. authorities said cooperation with Canadian law enforcement located him after investigators considered multiple Pacific travel routes. He must still face legal proceedings, and the Hawaii allegations remain unproven unless established at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Donald Steven Lang?
Donald Steven Lang is a 62-year-old dual U.S. and Canadian citizen who authorities say traveled internationally aboard a sailboat. He was arrested in Canada in connection with U.S. criminal cases.
What are the Hawaii allegations?
Federal prosecutors allege that Lang exploited a minor between September and December 2024 aboard the Ishi to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct.
What could happen if he is convicted?
A Hawaii conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a possible fine of up to $250,000 and supervised release of five years to life.
Why was the search international?
Authorities said Lang was known to sail around the world and might have traveled through the Pacific toward Fiji, Mexico, Papua New Guinea or Indonesia. His connections also extended across several U.S. states and Canada.
