Former Doctor At UPMC Children’s Hospital Indicted On Federal Child Pornography Offenses.
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11:20 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PITTSBURGH, PA.- A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, man and former doctor at UPMC Children’s Hospital was criminally charged in a federal indictment with two counts of child sexual abuse material.
According to U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the Western District of Pennsylvania returned the indictment against Ashok Panigrahy, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania charging him with one count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material; and Attempting to Transport Child Sexual Abuse Material in Interstate Commerce.
According to information filed in the indictment, it has been alleged that in November 2022, Panigrahy transported and attempted to transport material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce as well as possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
If convicted on the charges, Panigrahy could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the length of the imprisonment term based on the crime’s seriousness and the defendant’s prior criminal history.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
