A Cal Poly student accused of meeting or arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes pleaded not guilty to the felony count Tuesday morning.
Ashvir Singh, a 22-year-old manufacturing engineering senior, could face up to four years in prison and a $5,000 dollar fine for the charge, according to California Penal Code.
The charge stems from an alleged incident on or around Jan. 26, according to court documents. Although Singh was arrested on Jan. 26, the details of his bail were not disclosed.
His arrest comes as a result of multiple statewide anti-trafficking arrests during San Luis Obispo County’s efforts to “disrupt criminal trafficking networks,” according to the District Attorney’s office. Authorities arrested six people during the six day raid led by the San Luis Obispo County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, while across California, authorities arrested over 611 people and rescued 170 victims.
Singh waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing. He is also now subject to search of his electronic devices for evidence of contact with a minor.
Singh’s pre-preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 17.
Judge Catherine J. Swysen spoke quickly and neutrally as she confirmed the charge, plea and next court date. While no statements were made by either Singh nor his family, he appeared calm while standing before the court. Another arraignment for another suspect of the same raid, 18-year-old Gael Pitaabarca, occurred within the hour.
Singh was accompanied by his mother, father and brother. The family sat quietly together throughout the entire morning as multiple cases were heard on the same calendar.
Singh’s defense attorney indicated that there were “no surprises” and that the proceedings went as previously discussed.
As of Tuesday evening, Singh’s name still appears in the Cal Poly student directory, but it is unclear if he is still a student at the university.