A Clifton man is currently in custody following allegations that he attempted to solicit sex from an undercover officer whom he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Court documents accuse Likhith Nalla, 24, of using his cellphone to proposition the officer with a sum of $100 for sexual acts. According to The Enquirer, Nalla was charged with importuning, which is soliciting a minor or an adult for sex, and possession of criminal tools.
Currently detained at the Hamilton County Justice Center, Nalla's bonds have been set at a total of $20,000, "but is only required to pay $2,000 for each count" as detailed by the aforementioned source, according to The Enquirer. Additionally, it was reported that he would be required to wear an ankle monitor, should he be released before his court date, which is scheduled for October 6. Posing as a teen, the officer was interacting with Nalla through a telecommunications device when the offer was made.
FOX19 notes that the criminal complaint against Nalla states the suspect "tried to engage in sexual activity" with the officer. This documentation complements the charges brought forth and elucidates the allegations. The court has also mandated the option of an electronic monitoring device in place of the bond.
Local coverage by LOCAL12 further informs that Nalla, whose bond was set by a judge at $20,000, engaged in this conversation via text messages, unaware that his interlocutor was a law enforcement officer, not the minor he presumed. His arrest and the subsequent charges amplify the ongoing discourse on the importance of online safety and the pervasive threats that target the vulnerable in our digital landscape.
