Delco Men Get Lengthy Sentences For Trafficking, Child Rape, More

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Two Delaware County men have received lengthy prison sentences for their role in a human trafficking scheme involving an 11-year-old girl, who was sold into sexual servitude, authorities said.

In September last year, Sukhjit Singh, 26, and Kunal Bakhru, 43, both of Upper Darby, were convicted in the scheme.

Singh was convicted on rape of a child, indecent assault, corruption of minors, trafficking a minor for sexual servitude, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and conspiracy offenses.

Delaware County authorities said he was sentenced to 33-and-a-half to 67 years in prison.

Bakhru was convicted on trafficking, simple assault and conspiracy to rape of a child, conspiracy to indecent assault of a minor, and conspiracy to trafficking.

He received an 18- to 36-year sentence.

"This was a truly heinous case in which two men conspired to sell a young girl for Defendant Singh’s sexual gratification," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. "The evil demonstrated by these two defendants is almost incomprehensible. The damage to the victim can never be undone, but we hope and pray that today’s result provides her with a measure of peace."

Additionally, William Walker, 68, was sentenced to 7-and-a-half to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of trafficking, child pornography, and the dissemination of child pornography.

"January is a month that is dedicated to raising awareness of the evils of human trafficking," Stollsteimer said. "Sadly, human trafficking and child exploitation takes many forms, and can occur anywhere. They are some of the saddest, most heart-breaking cases we encounter as prosecutors. We are extremely fortunate to have the assistance of the men and women of the Special Victims Unit, as well as Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, each of whom is dedicated to protecting child victims. My appreciation is deep for the work of my team and all the members of ICAC and our Child Abuse and Exploitation Task Force. They truly perform heroic work."

The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigation Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.