The Mainstreet Lodge Police investigating allegations a Kaitaia lodge owner drugged and indecently assaulted guests have been contacted by around 20 tourists overnight. Michael Harris, 56, is facing 39 charges related to indecent assaults on 16 men who stayed at Mainstreet Lodge. He appeared in Kaitaia District Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody until September 18. The alleged victims are mainly overseas tourists aged between 18 and 25, who stayed in the main dwelling on the property, not in units. Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston has told Radio New Zealand that the investigative team has received about 20 emails from around the world from potential victims overnight. "So we've got a fair amount of work ahead of us trying to give these people the support they'll need and the peace of mind they will need as well." Harris has been running the lodge for two and half years and is believed to have previously lived in Auckland. Police wanted to hear from anyone who has stayed in the main dwelling. They can be contacted via 0800 762 701 or operationsnap@police.govt.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 11th September 2014 - 9:45am