Indian Pleads Guilty: Engaged With Minor For Sexual Activity

India-West Staff Reporter

OCALA, FL – Kirtan Patel, 24, has pled guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Patel faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. The sentence date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between May 22 and 24, 2024, Patel communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations special agent. Patel engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent. Ultimately, Patel was arrested when he traveled to a location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity with the child.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Also Read: Indian On Student Visa Sentenced 12 Years For Sexual Enticement Of Minor