PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Alexandria, Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Transportation With Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, and Obstruction of Justice – Hindering Communication Through Corrupt Persuasion, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Apipat Vutipawat, also known as “Viktor Vutipawat,” “Viktor Koi,” “Arty Freedom,” and “Victor Kim,” age 29, of Alexandria Virginia, pleaded guilty on Thursday to three counts before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 29, 2020 through June 2, 2020, Vutipawat traveled in interstate commerce with the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual conduct with Minor A and transported Minor A, a person who had not yet attained the age of 18 years, from Pennsylvania to Virginia with the intent that Minor A engage in criminal sexual activity. Vutipawat also knowingly corrupted and persuaded Minor A with the intent to hinder, delay, or prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a Federal offense.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten (10) years and not more than life in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, Vutipawat remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, Homeland Security Investigations-York, Homeland Security Investigations-DC, Pennsylvania State Police, North Strabane Township Police Department, and the Fairfax County Police (Virginia) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vutipawat.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.