BUFFALO, New York – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced on Thursday that Sachin Aji Bhaskar, 23, of India, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to sexual enticement of a minor.
The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who handled the case, stated that the defendant communicated by text and email with an 11-year-old girl for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Through those communications, Bhaskar enticed the victim to engage in sexual activity with him on August 11, 2018.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 17.