Man facing molestation charges apparently flees to native Hungary

Jen Lawson

Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004 | 9:23 a.m.

When John Udvardi learned that the family member he allegedly began molesting about 10 years ago was planning to report him to the authorities, he apparently fled to his native country of Hungary, Metro Police said Wednesday.

Police obtained a warrant accusing Udvardi of 39 counts of sexual assault of a victim under 14, but the expense involved in trying to get him extradited from Hungary would probably be too great, said Lt. Jeff Carlson of Metro's sexual assault section.

While police have ordered U.S. Customs officials to arrest Udvardi if he tries to enter the United States, detectives have turned their attention to locating other children living in the area of Nellis Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue who also could have been victimized by him.

"We heard some things in the neighborhood that sounded like he had contact with other children," Carlson said. "We're reaching out to see if anyone has any information on additional victims."

The relative that Udvardi is accused of molesting was 5 or 6 years old when the alleged abuse began around 1994, Carlson said.

Udvardi's relative contacted police June 28, but he had already fled.

"I think he realized he was going to be turned in and left the country," Carlson said.

Udvardi also uses the first name Sandor, police said.

Anyone with information on children who might have been victimized is asked to contact Metro's sexual assault section at 229-3421 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.