Tong Hyon Suh, a Bronx lawyer, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to engage in a sexual tryst with a 14-year-old girl who turned out to be an undercover cop. Suh had been communicating with the girl, who was actually a detective with the Greenwich Police Department, through the social platform Kik. During their exchanges, Suh asked for inappropriate photos and described explicit sexual acts he wanted to engage in with her.
US Attorney Damian Williams stated that Suh’s actions showed a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of minors. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the commitment to confronting threats to minors. Suh, who also goes by the name Jason Suh, had planned to meet the girl in Connecticut, rent a home for the encounter, and engage in sexual activities. However, when he arrived at the location on May 27, 2022, he was arrested and charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.
Despite facing up to 30 years in prison, Suh pleaded guilty in March and was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The case highlights the dangers of online predators and the need for law enforcement to actively combat such threats to minors. The undercover operation conducted by the Greenwich Police Department successfully apprehended Suh before any harm could be done to a real child. The severity of the sentence handed down to Suh reflects the seriousness of his crime and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.
The plan for the illicit meeting included Suh taking a Metro-North train to Connecticut, picking up the girl, and traveling to a rented home in Stamford for the sexual encounter. During their conversations, the girl had asked Suh to bring condoms, lollipops, and marijuana for the meeting. However, law enforcement officials were able to intercept Suh before the meeting took place, preventing a potentially dangerous situation from unfolding.
Suh’s sentencing serves as a warning to individuals who attempt to prey on minors online and engage in inappropriate and illegal activities. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from harm. By holding individuals like Suh accountable for their actions, law enforcement aims to deter others from engaging in similar behavior and ensure the safety of minors in online spaces. The 10-year prison sentence handed down to Suh sends a strong message that such predatory behavior will not be tolerated.
