Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a Minor

SACRAMENTO — In a harrowing case of child exploitation, Zargham Bukhari, 22, of Sacramento, has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of children. The news was announced by Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert today.

According to court documents, between February and April of 2014, Bukhari transported a 14-year-old victim to numerous motels and locations in the Sacramento area for the purpose of having sex with men in exchange for money. The despicable act did not stop there as Bukhari also supplied the minor with methamphetamine during the trafficking.

This case is a result of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes representatives from both the FBI and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michele Beckwith is handling the prosecution.

Bukhari’s sentence has been set for February 10, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. The defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, the final sentence will be determined by the court, considering all applicable factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This conviction comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information on this vital initiative, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc, where you can find resources under the “resources” tab for internet safety education.

Bukhari’s actions have not only shattered the life of a vulnerable minor but also highlights the ongoing battle against child sex trafficking. The grim reality of such crimes underscores the importance of relentless efforts by law enforcement and justice system to protect our children from predators like Bukhari.

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