Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A former anesthesiologist from Tufts Medical Center in Boston has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a child. Sadeq Ali Quraishi, aged 47, received the sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley. Following his prison term, he will undergo five years of supervised release. In October 2024, Quraishi was convicted on charges related to this case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the sentencing: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Quraishi’s heinous actions and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who fuel the market for child sex trafficking and hold them accountable for their crimes."
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England, also emphasized the breach of trust involved: “As a doctor, Quraishi was in a position of public trust. He abused that trust when he actively sought out and agreed to pay to sexually abuse a child."
The investigation into Quraishi began with an undercover operation by law enforcement in November 2022 aimed at identifying individuals seeking commercial sex with minors. Advertisements were placed online offering such services involving two young girls purportedly aged 12 and 14.
Quraishi responded to one advertisement while still practicing at Tufts Medical Center. He engaged in text communications with undercover agents posing as sellers and agreed to pay $250 for sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl. After withdrawing cash from an ATM, he traveled from Boston to a hotel in Waltham where he believed he would meet the seller.
Upon arrival at the hotel, Quraishi confirmed possession of $250 and accepted what he thought was a keycard granting access to the room where the minor would be located. It was during this encounter that he was arrested by an undercover agent.
The case announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Foley along with HSI SAC Krol today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and Lauren A. Graber prosecuted the case.
For those impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, assistance is available via USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
