OCALA, Fla (TIP): An Indian national has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, but instead engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando special agent. Kirtan Patel, 24, faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between May 22-24, 2024, Patel communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover HSI Orlando special 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 HSI Orlando and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.