A jury recently convicted Kahlilullah Razaq of crimes against a child that have left the community troubled. According to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Razaq was found guilty on August 21, of annoying or molesting a child and of communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a felony sex act.
Details of the incident reveal a disturbing encounter on May 9, where Razaq approached a 12-year-old girl at a bus stop and initiated a conversation that quickly escalated to inappropriate and illegal propositions. Despite Razaq's previous conviction for child molestation and his active GPS ankle monitor status, he was not deterred from committing this crime. It is this troubling fact that the combatting of such predatory behavior is not simply a question of surveillance, but a deeper societal issue we yet struggle to address, as reported by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
The victim’s quick thinking, taking a picture of Razaq and calling 911, led to his timely arrest. The GPS data from Razaq’s ankle monitor corroborated the victim's account, as it matched the location and time where the crime occurred. His identifiable tattoos, and the clothes he wore matching the victim’s picture further confirmed his identity.
According to Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Razaq is now facing up to 12 years in prison, and his sentencing is scheduled for September 18. The Honorable Kenneth Brody will preside over the sentencing in Department 24. Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes, part of the Special Assault & Child Abuse Unit, served as prosecutor in this case, a case that brings to light the continuous risk and reality that children face, and the persistent vigilance required to protect them.
