GUWAHATI: A 31-year-old Indian national residing in Edmond, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of multiple children and the transportation of child pornography.
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The sentencing, recently handed down by U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin, has reportedly reflected the severity of Sai Kumar Kurremula's crimes, which authorities described as causing "unthinkable harm" to his victims.
According to reports, Kurremula, who was living in the U.S. on an immigrant visa, used a social media app to pose as a teenager, gaining the trust of minor girls. He then manipulated, threatened, and extorted these victims into producing child pornography. As per the evidence presented in court, Kurremula exploited at least 19 minors, threatening to expose explicit images to their families, shoot their families, or publicly post the content if they refused his demands.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initiated an investigation in October 2023 after identifying a social media account involved in the sexual exploitation of minors. The investigation traced the account's Internet Protocol (IP) address to Kurremula. He was subsequently charged in April 2024.
U.S. Attorney Robert Troester emphasised the gravity of Kurremula's actions, stating, "This case serves as a clear warning to others that strong penalties await those who exploit and victimize our children." Judge Goodwin echoed the former’s sentiment, noting that Kurremula inflicted trauma that will have lasting repercussions on the victims and their families.
In addition to the 35-year prison sentence, Kurremula will also face a lifetime of supervised release upon completion of his term.
