According to officials with the United States District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, Andrew Zaheri pleaded guilty to a federal child pornography charge on Wednesday before Judge David L. Bunning.
Court officials said in or about September of 2022, Zaheri “employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions of that conduct”.
Under federal guidelines, in addition to a fine, Zaheri faces a minimum of 15 years and no more than 30 years in prison. His sentencing has been scheduled for May 14 at 9:30 a.m. in Ashland.
Zaheri also faces 23 charges of rape, sodomy, and promoting a sexual performance by a minor, handed down by a Rowan County Grand Jury in May of last year. In addition, there is a lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe against Zaheri and the Rowan County School system in connection with the criminal charges.
Follow the links below for previous WMKY coverage.
Rowan Schools employee charged with rape
Zaheri rape case bound for grand jury
Zaheri faces 23 count indictment
