By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that a man admitted inducing a minor to engage in explicit activity over an online messenger service.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported that Sunil Vaid, 51, of North Brunswick, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of online enticement of a minor.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
According to officials, from August 3 to August 6, 2020, Vaid used an online messaging service to communicate with a minor victim, including requesting that the minor victim pose nude so he could take explicit images.
Vaid knowingly misrepresented his identity to induce the minor to engage in explicit activity, officials said.
Authorities say the charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2024, officials said.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and members of the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
Officials say he also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the North Brunswick Police for their assistance with the investigation.