The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana announced on April 30 that Sadiq Rauf Perry, a 27-year-old naval serviceman from Virginia, has been charged by criminal complaint with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. If convicted, Perry faces a sentence ranging from ten years to life in federal prison.
This case highlights concerns about online safety and the risks minors face when communicating with strangers over the internet. Law enforcement officials say the quick response of both authorities and the victim's family played an important role in locating and recovering the minor.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller said, “This case is every parent’s worst nightmare, and our Office deeply appreciates our law enforcement partners’ quick action that led to the recovery of this minor girl. The case is also a reminder to every parent that we must not only be vigilant in our children’s use of the Internet but must also act quickly to report situations where a child may be taken in by one of these predators.” Keller continued, “The tragedy of these cases is that the criminal acts are not something we can take away or undo. That said, we look forward to prosecuting this matter to the fullest extent of the law to ensure accountability and deterrence for these heinous acts and remind our community of the importance of being vigilant as parents and neighbors.”
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office said, "The FBI worked closely with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office to find this teen and bring her home safely. It is critical for parents and children to understand the dangers of communicating with strangers online. In this case, the family acted quickly and that helped us prevent what could have been a tragic outcome."
According to court documents described by prosecutors, Perry allegedly arranged for airline travel for a 14-year-old girl from Lafayette after she was reported missing by her mother who had discovered inappropriate online communications between her daughter and someone claiming to be 18 years old. Investigators found evidence showing Perry purchased both rideshare transport and an airline ticket using false information so that she could travel unaccompanied without suspicion.
Authorities say surveillance footage showed Perry picking up the minor at an airport in Virginia before they were located together at a hotel room registered under his name; subsequent investigation revealed they engaged in sexual intercourse during their stay.
Multiple agencies including field offices from both New Orleans and Norfolk branches of Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as local law enforcement participated in investigating this incident. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver is prosecuting this matter.
A criminal complaint remains an allegation until proven otherwise; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
