A New Orleans man has been indicted on charges of sexually abusing a minor. Kendrick White Sr., 40, is facing allegations for engaging in sexual acts with a fifteen-year-old girl, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The indictment, dated last Thursday, accuses White of intending to gratify his sexual desire and improperly engaged, and attempted to engage, in a sexual act with the victim, identified as a female born in January 2008. The incident in question reportedly took place on or about November 22, 2023, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, White is potentially facing severe penalties with a maximum sentence of fifteen years for the first count of sexual abuse. The second count of sexual abuse of a minor carries with it a possibility of life imprisonment. Additionally, White could also be hit with a fine up to $250,000, a mandatory special assessment fee, and lifetime supervised release. Should he be found guilty, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
Emphasizing the gravity of these charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson reminded that "an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt." This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide movement begun in 2006 to persistently try to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Praise was given to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its role in the investigation. The case against White is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
