Newark, N.J. – A Rutgers University student and former youth mentor was arrested last week after federal prosecutors said he sent sexually explicit images to a minor under the age of 16.
Mahir Chaudhry, 21, of Piscataway, was charged on Aug. 27 with one count of transferring obscene material to a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced. Chaudhry, who founded the youth program WeTeachTeens, appeared in federal court in Newark on Aug. 28 before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was detained pending approval of bail conditions.
According to court filings, Chaudhry allegedly sent at least six obscene images to a minor between March and May 2023, knowing the recipient was under the age of 16.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“The defendant’s arrest is a testament to the combined work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to protect the people of New Jersey from individuals who prey on minor victims—no matter where the victims are located,” Habba said in a statement.
FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy added, “Chaudhry’s arrest is impactful on many fronts. He can no longer cause harm to minor victims, as the complaint alleges, and his arrest serves as a warning to others who think their actions are unseen.”
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, with assistance from FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and international partners.
Key Points
- Rutgers student Mahir Chaudhry, 21, was arrested Aug. 27 and charged with sending obscene material to a minor.
- Prosecutors say Chaudhry sent at least six explicit images to a victim under 16 between March and May 2023.
- He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Federal agents say Chaudhry’s arrest shows no predator is beyond reach.
