Crime & Safety
Afghan Refugee Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting 3-Year-Old Girl At Quantico
A man who was evacuated from Afghanistan was convicted of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl who was also a refugee, officials said.
VIRGINIA — A 24-year-old man from Afghanistan was convicted of abusive sexual contact with a minor on Friday, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. The man, Mohammed Tariq, was housed at the Quantico Marine Corps Base after he was evacuated from Afghanistan.
The victim in the case, a 3-year-old girl, was also being housed at the base after she was evacuated from Afghanistan. Officials said that Tariq and the victim were not related.
According to court documents, Tariq was arrested on Sept. 23 and charged with one count of abusive sexual contact. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Marines at the base saw Tariq touching the victim over her clothing on her chest, genitals, and buttocks.
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"This case is indicative of law enforcement’s commitment to ensure the safety of immigrant and refugee members of our community," Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia said in a news release. "People who come to our country seeking haven from tyranny and terrorism deserve to live here in safety."
Tariq is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. However, the U.S. Attorney's Office noted that actual sentences for federal offenses are typically less severe than the maximum guideline.
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In a statement, Aber thanked the Marines and the FBI for their assistance. She also recognized the victim and her family. "It is the resilience and courage of the victim and her family in speaking out against this offender that is truly emblematic of the contributions refugees and immigrants make to our country."
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.
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