Former USC researcher charged with sexually enticing a minor, authorities say
A man who is now a former researcher at the University of South Carolina had sexually inappropriate conversations with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina.
Mohammad Ebrahim Torki Harchegani, 38, has been charged with attempted enticement of a minor for sexual activity, according to a news release. He was a researcher in mechanical engineering at USC when the crime occurred. Upon learning of his arrest, USC immediately suspended him without pay and his contract was not renewed, according to USC spokesman Jeff Stensland.
Testimony during a bond hearing revealed that in early December 2024, Harchegani engaged in sexually explicit conversations with who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, according to a news release.
Harchegani, a legal, permanent resident of the United States and an Iranian citizen, ultimately traveled to the residence where he believed the girl was home alone to have sex with her, the release said. He was then arrested and now faces life in prison.
