A travel lodge owner in New Zealand has been accused of drugging and sexually abusing 16 guests. Michael Harris was arrested and charged with indecent assault in the town of Kaitaia. According to reports, the 56-year-old man allegedly assaulted the young men between 18 and 25 years of age in Main Street Lodge.

New Zealand police have appealed to other victims of Harris to come forward and give a statement. Police said Harris had "intimate visual recordings" of his victims. Investigators said in a statement that they wish to speak to other backpackers who have stayed in the lodge in the last two and a half years. Aside from people in New Zealand, police revealed the department has received calls from potential victims from the United States, England, Scotland and Germany.

According to a report from by New Zealand Herald, many of the victims were believed to have stayed in the lodge when the assault happened. The Main Street Lodge has hotel units, backpacking facilities and accommodations in the owner's residence for those who want to stay longer.

Aside from the 16 men, police believe Harris may have assaulted other overseas tourists who had stayed in his lodge. Harris appeared in the Kaitaia District Court and was charged with almost 40 offences including drugging the victims and recording intimate videos after he indecently assaulted them.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said it was important for police to speak to other people who may not know what happened during their stay in the lodge. He assured potential victims that whatever information they will give will be treated with great sensitivity.

Harris remained in custody of the police after his court appearance on Sept. 10. He next day in court will be on Sept. 18.

Kaitaia has a population of 5,100, based on data from New Zealand Tourism. The town is known as the "gateway to the far north." The New Zealand police had set up a special email address for those who have information about the incident at the lodge. Those who visited the lodge in the last two years and think they were unknowing victims are advised to contact operations@police.govt.nz.