13-year-old US undercover agent nabs Indian in online sex sting

An Indian national has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, according to the US Attorney’s Office in Florida. Kirtan Patel, 24, will face a minimum penalty of 10 years, which can extend up to life imprisonment.

The date for sentencing has not been set yet.

According to the plea agreement, between May 22 and 24, 2024, Patel communicated online with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.

The child, however, was actually an undercover special agent in the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) department.

Patel engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent.

Ultimately, Patel was arrested when he travelled to a location in Marion County, North Central region of the US state of Florida, to engage in sexual activity with the child, according to the US Attorney’s Office in Florida.