An Indian national, Ashish Kapoor, also known as Romy Kapoor, has been indicted on charges of possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson in New Orleans, Louisiana. The indictment states that Kapoor, 28, was found with digital videos and computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct around December 20, 2024.

Kapoor faces severe penalties if convicted, including a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, supervised release for life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that the indictment is only an accusation and the defendant's guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.

This 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 brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals exploiting children online and to rescue victims.

The investigation involved the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni from the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.