BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont doctor who was arrested in 2020 during an anti-human trafficking bust accepted a plea deal that will give him three years’ probation.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above first aired in April 2022)
Dr. Sadiq Ali had his license suspended in October 2020 following his arrest by Beaumont Police who charged him with prostitution with someone under 18-years-old, which is a 2nd degree felony.
On Thursday Ali appeared alongside his attorney before the 252nd District Court, with Judge Raquel West presiding.
Ali pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted online solicitation of a minor, a 3rd degree felony.
As part of the plea, Ali's original charge will be dismissed and he will have to pay a $15,000 fine, but will not be required to register as a sex offender.
An official sentencing date will be set following a pre-sentencing report, according to Judge West.
Previously Ali rejected a plea deal with a 5-year prison sentencing cap.
Ali was arrested alongside Beaumont doctor Dr. Rajen Bhulabhai Desai in an anti-human trafficking bust.
Beaumont Police and the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office worked together for a two-day joint operation in October 2020, targeting what officials called "sex buyers," Officer Carol Riley said in a news release following the bust.
The 21 men arrested were charged with soliciting sexual relations from both minors and adults.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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