An Indian-origin man in Ashburn, Virginia, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in a disturbing child molestation case that shocked the local community.
The accused, Phani C. Talluru (52), was convicted of serious offences including aggravated sexual battery and using digital platforms to exploit minors.
The court awarded a 25-year sentence, with five years suspended, effectively sending him to prison for two decades.
During the sentencing, Talluru attempted to justify his actions by citing alcoholism, health issues, childhood trauma, and depression following his mother’s death. He claimed he had reformed himself and had been sober for over two years.
However, the court rejected these arguments.
The judge observed that the crimes were not isolated incidents but occurred over a prolonged period, causing severe harm to the victims.
The sentence was significantly higher than standard guidelines, reflecting the gravity of the offences and the court’s view that the accused lacked genuine remorse.
Prosecutors revealed that Talluru used platforms like Snapchat and WhatsApp to send explicit messages and videos to minors.
One victim, a teenager, reported receiving inappropriate content and requests for explicit images.
Another victim stated that she was repeatedly molested over a span of years when she was just between 11 and 13 years old.
The court also noted that the accused attempted to cover up his actions by asking victims to remain silent and delete evidence.
The judge described the acts as “outrageous” and a “betrayal of trust,” emphasizing that the accused was fully aware of his actions.
Following his release, Talluru will be placed under strict supervision for five years and will have to register as a sex offender for life.
The case underscores the serious consequences of crimes against minors and the strict stance taken by US courts in such matters.
