An associate professor from Arizona State University's School of Social Work has been arrested following a sting operation where he allegedly engaged in illicit communication with what he believed was a teenager. The Chandler Police conducted the operation, and Shiyou Wu was taken into custody after initiating contact with an undercover officer posing as a child. FOX 10 Phoenix reports that Wu sent an explicit image to the officer, who claimed in court documents that the images used in the investigation were of himself, "they have been altered utilizing age regression."
Caught in an attempt to meet with the officer on April 18, Wu had apparently arranged for a rendezvous and had even prepared to buy alcohol for the minor prior to their appointment, using an SUV he had borrowed from his roommate, looking forward to an evening that would never come. According to AZ Central, court documents revealed Wu's preparation steps, but any chance for further queries was halted when Wu requested an attorney.
Shiyou Wu currently faces charges including child sex trafficking and aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation and was initially held on a $100,000 bond, which he posted on April 20, resulting in his release with electronic monitoring. The disturbing nature of these allegations stands in stark contrast to Wu's role as an educator and his association with the ASU Global Center for Applied Health Research. Both news outlets report statements from ASU confirming that Wu has been placed on administrative leave and is currently barred from accessing campus or engaging in university activities pending further investigation.
Arizona State University has reiterated its stance, stating, "Shiyou Wu has been placed on administrative leave and is prohibited from accessing campus or engaging in any Arizona State University activities while the university undertakes action in accordance with Arizona Board of Regents and ASU policy," in a comment void of further details, citing the ongoing personnel matter. Wu's next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, as reported by the AZ Central.
