September 3, 2015

Long Island Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation, Enticement, and Child Pornography Crimes

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Diego Rodriguez, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that HASSAN KHAN, a Long Island resident, was arrested today and charged in a criminal complaint with five counts stemming from his sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor and his receipt of child pornography. KHAN was presented today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, Hassan Khan sexually exploited an innocent child, beginning the grooming process when she was just 11 years old. This Office is dedicated to ensuring that those who sexually abuse children are held to account. I want to thank the FBI for their remarkable work in this case.” Assistant Director-in-Charge Diego Rodriguez said: “Khan was arrested today for allegedly targeting, grooming, and exploiting a minor for several years. He carried out this illicit behavior by enticing her online and engaging in sexually explicit conduct with her, both in the United States and abroad. As this terrifying ordeal comes to an end, the nightmare continues for the victim and her family. Innocence, once stolen, is not easily restored. The FBI, with assistance from our local and international partners, will continue to pursue sexual predators, remove them from their hideaway, and deliver them into the arms of the law.”

According to the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court1:

In or about 2007, KHAN initiated online conversations with a then-11-year-old girl (the “Victim.”). Between 2007 and 2013, KHAN, who was aware of the Victim’s age, coerced and enticed the Victim to engage in illegal sexual activity. The Complaint further alleges that KHAN engaged in a sexual act with the Victim, and coerced and enticed the Victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.

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KHAN, 28, was arrested today in Manhattan, New York. The Complaint charges KHAN in five counts. Counts One and Two charge KHAN with coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Count Three charges KHAN with sexual exploitation of a child. Count Four charges KHAN with sexual exploitation of a child outside of the United States. Count Five charges KHAN with receipt of child pornography. Counts One and Two carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Counts Three and Four carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Count Five carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of the FBI in this investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing. Any individuals who believe they have information concerning HASSAN KHAN that may be relevant to the investigation should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-212-384-1000.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Rossmiller is in charge of the prosecution.

The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.