Federal prosecutors say a 44-year-old Allen man is at the center of a disturbing child exploitation case that reaches far beyond North Texas. Sanjay Sachithanandham has been charged in a three-count federal indictment that accuses him of coercing and enticing a minor, transporting a minor for sexual activity, and engaging in illicit sexual conduct abroad. He was arrested and made an initial appearance in federal court this month after a grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas returned the indictment. Authorities say the prosecution is part of a nationwide push to track down people who exploit children online.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas, the indictment charges Sachithanandham with coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and conspiracy, and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. Prosecutors say he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Davis on Thursday, and the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.
What prosecutors allege
The indictment alleges Sachithanandham used the internet, social media, and messaging apps to target a minor, communicating with the victim through a digital device, according to reporting that reviewed the charging document. CBS News Texas reported that prosecutors say he later traveled from the United States to El Salvador, where he allegedly engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the minor. The FBI's Dallas office highlighted the case on its Facebook page and linked to the U.S. Attorney's Office release.
Investigation and court status
The U.S. Attorney's Office says the case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a federal initiative focused on combating online child exploitation, and that the investigation involves the Allen Police Department and the FBI, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Prosecutors have not released additional information about the investigation and emphasize that an indictment is merely a formal accusation, not evidence of guilt. Sachithanandham, like all criminal defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Legal stakes
The charges carry potentially severe federal prison time. Under federal law, the coercion and enticement charge can carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and, in some cases, up to life in prison under 18 U.S.C. § 2422. Transportation and certain foreign-conduct offenses can be punished by sentences of up to 30 years under 18 U.S.C. § 2423. Attempts and conspiracies are subject to the same maximum penalties as the underlying crimes.
Authorities have not released any identifying information about the alleged victim or detailed circumstances of the case. CBS News Texas reported that officials say they are holding back further details for now and that the investigation remains ongoing.
