An Indian national, Ashish Kapoor, also known as Romy Kapoor, has been indicted for possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson on February 6, 2025. Kapoor, aged 28, faces charges under Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).
If found guilty, Kapoor could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, life-long supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The indictment alleges that on or about December 20, 2024, Kapoor possessed digital videos and computer images depicting prepubescent minors involved in sexually explicit conduct.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant's guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program aims to coordinate federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders exploiting children via the internet and to rescue victims.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni from the Financial Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.