Washington, USA: Upendra Aduru, a 32-year-old Telugu Indian national on a student visa, has been sentenced to 12 years in a federal prison for attempting to minor into illegal sexual activity. This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Details of the Crime
From September 20, 2022, to October 6, 2022, Aduru engaged in online communication with an undercover detective who posed as a thirteen-year-old girl. Throughout these interactions, Aduru expressed his intentions to engage in sexual activities and sent explicit adult pornography to the detective. His communications indicated a persistent desire to meet the minor.
“An Indian national has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years in jail and 10 years supervised release on his conviction of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Upendra Aduru, 32," the US Justice Department said in a statement.
The Arrest
Aduru arranged to meet the girl at a park in Millcreek Township. Upon his arrival, he was apprehended by law enforcement. A subsequent search of his phone revealed incriminating social media exchanges with the undercover officer.
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Judicial Proceedings
During the trial, US District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter sentenced Aduru to 12 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. The severity of the sentence reflects the serious nature of his offenses and serves as a what happens to similar crimes.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. The program aims to combat the escalating issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse by marshaling federal, state, and local resources.
“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse," the US State Department said.
US Attorney Eric G. Olshan emphasized the importance of such initiatives in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
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