by NEWARK, N.J. – A 21-year-old man from Piscataway, Middlesex County, faces federal charges for allegedly sending sexually explicit images to a minor under the age of 16 over several months in 2023. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation across the nation.
Charged under federal child exploitation laws, Mahir Chaudhry was arrested on August 27, 2025, and charged with one count of transferring obscene material to a minor. Authorities emphasize the seriousness of the allegations as part of continued initiatives to protect children from exploitation.
The Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba, Chaudhry is accused of knowingly sending at least six explicit images via text messages to a minor he believed was under the age of 16. The alleged activity occurred between March and May 2023.
Chaudhry appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court on August 28, where he was ordered detained pending the finalization of bail conditions.
The charges carry severe penalties, including a maximum of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Investigation and Collaborative Enforcement Efforts
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, under Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. It received support from the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and international law enforcement agencies.
This arrest is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to apprehend offenders and protect victims of child exploitation.
- Project Safe Childhood enhances coordination among law enforcement agencies.
- It focuses on rescuing victims and prosecuting perpetrators vigorously.
- More detailed information about the project can be found at justice.gov/psc.
Legal Representation and Presumption of Innocence
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maloy of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark. Officials remind the public that these are accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“This case underscores the crucial role of federal and local partnerships in protecting our children and holding offenders accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Ongoing Community Impact and Awareness
Cases like this draw attention to the ongoing challenges in combating child exploitation and highlight the importance of vigilance within communities. Law enforcement agencies continue to appeal to the public to report suspicious activities that may involve the exploitation of minors.
- Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor children’s online interactions.
- Awareness programs educate on the signs of exploitation and available resources.
- Cooperation between community members and authorities remains essential in prevention efforts.
What do you think about this case and the efforts to combat child exploitation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
