An Allen resident has been arrested and charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced on July 17.
Sanjay Sachithanandham, 44, was named in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor; transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, conspiracy; and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. Sachithanandham appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Davis on July 16.
According to the announcement, the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online as well as identify and rescue victims.
The investigation is being conducted by the Allen Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey is prosecuting the case.
“It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to the statement from authorities.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas covers 43 counties across East Texas through offices located in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; employs about 100 staff members including roughly 50 assistant U.S. attorneys; prosecutes federal crimes; delivers civil litigation services; supports victims through dedicated services; and operates as part of the United States Department of Justice, according to the official website.