A Bronx attorney has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after attempting to arrange a meeting for inappropriate purposes with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl from Connecticut, only to discover she was an undercover police officer.
Tong Hyon Suh, 47, engaged in online exchanges with the individual, unaware that his actions were part of a law enforcement sting operation. Suh’s arrest came after these exchanges, during which he expressed intentions for inappropriate conduct, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to target and prosecute individuals attempting to engage in unlawful activities.
What Happened?
In 2022, 47-year-old Tong Hyon Suh engaged in inappropriate online conversations with someone he believed to be named “Megan.” These exchanges quickly turned explicit, with Suh requesting provocative photos and detailing illicit acts he intended to perform, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Tong Hyon Suh sought to engage in predatory conduct with an individual he thought was a 14-year-old, demonstrating a shocking disregard for the protection and welfare of children,” stated U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “This sentencing highlights our dedication to addressing and eliminating threats posed to minors.”
Suh, also known as Jason Suh, initiated contact with “Megan” on the social media platform Kik in April 2022, unaware that she was an undercover detective from the Greenwich Police Department working to expose online predators.
Upon arriving at the designated location on May 27, 2022, Suh was met by law enforcement officials who arrested him on the spot, charging him with one count of attempted se*ual exploitation of a minor.
Originally facing a potential sentence of up to 30 years, Suh opted to plead guilty in March. As a result, he was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Friday.
