Man Charged In Delco Child Predator Sting Tried To Flee US: DA

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A man who was arrested and charged in a major child predator sting operation in Delaware County was recently arrested after trying to flee the country, authorities said.

Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland said Santhosh Akinepalli, 27, of Exton, was arrested for a second time following his initial arrest in the sting that netted nine other arrests.

The DA's office said Akinepalli was arrested after buying a one-way ticket to India from the United States, and was charged with flight to avoid trial or punishment.

On May 5, the Department of Homeland Security contacted Sergeant Ken Bellis of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force regarding Akinepalli attempting to flee the country.

Akinepalli had been previously arrested following an investigation by Officer Tim Kearney of the Ridley Township Police Department and member of the Delaware County ICAC Task Force.

On April 6, Kearney posed as a 13-year-old female on a social media application, and received a message from Akinepalli, who asked, “How much for an hour?” while asking the juvenile to engage in sex, according to the DA's office.

Akinepalli arranged to meet the juvenile after acknowledging several times that he knew the juvenile was 13 years old, the DA's office alleges.

In that case, Akinepalli was charged with attempt to commit statutory sexual assault and related offenses.

“Homeland Security Investigations prioritizes cases involving the abuse of our children,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “Applying our unique law enforcement authorities, HSI Philadelphia in coordination with HSI San Francisco, were able to prevent Mr. Akinepalli from absconding. I’m very proud of all of those involved in bringing this dangerous man to justice.”