Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Sai Kumar Kurremula, a 31-year-old Indian national residing in Edmond, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced the sentence, saying it is for the sexual exploitation of three children and the transportation of child pornography.
In April 2024, Kurremula was charged with these offenses. According to an affidavit linked to the case, the FBI started investigating in October 2023. The investigation centered on a Snapchat account that was used to exploit minor girls. The IP address associated with this account led authorities to Kurremula. Evidence presented during the hearing implicated him in the exploitation of at least 19 minors, often posing as a teenager to deceive his victims. When requests were denied, he resorted to manipulation, threats, and extortion.
On June 18, 2020, Kurremula admitted his guilt to the sexual exploitation charges, involving three minor victims, and to the unlawful transportation of child pornography. Specific threats he made to victims included repercussions such as revealing explicit images to parents or publicly posting them.
United States Attorney Robert J. Troester emphasized the severity of the sentence: “The appalling exploitation, manipulation, and coercion of multiple children by this defendant justly warranted the 35-year sentence imposed by the Court.” He highlighted the deterrent effect of such sentencing on potential offenders and praised law enforcement's efforts in this case.
FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater added: “This defendant manipulated children into sending him explicit images for his own perverse gratification. These disgusting actions robbed the victims of their innocence and caused unthinkable harm.” He reaffirmed the FBI's commitment to pursuing such offenders.
The sentence was delivered by U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin, who noted the gravity of the offenses due to the vulnerable nature of the victims. He pointed out the lasting impact on the victims and their families, which is reflected in the lengthy prison term.
Kurremula's case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative targeting child sexual exploitation. The initiative leverages federal, state, and local resources to address internet-based offenses against minors.
For further details, public documents on the case can be referenced.
