Ex-NTU researcher pleads guilty to possessing child abuse material

Herrin was also found in possession of 31 obscene films and 90 photographs depicting child abuse.

On 18 March 2024, Herrin, an American national, pleaded guilty to two charges – communicating with another individual for the purpose of soliciting commercial sex with a minor under 18, and possession of child abuse material.

Additionally, two other charges were taken into consideration for sentencing.

Former NTU scientist's court case reveals disturbing phone contents

In a recent court session, it was disclosed that Herrin's phone was confiscated on 17 August 2020, following a police report unrelated to the ongoing case.

However, the specifics of this report were not revealed during proceedings.

Subsequent forensic analysis of the device uncovered a disturbing cache of content.

Forensic experts revealed the discovery of approximately 90 photographs depicting child abuse material on Herrin's phone.

These photographs depicted naked girls in compromising positions.

Prosecutors asserted that Herrin had actively downloaded such material from various websites since 2019, painting a damning picture of his actions.

Additionally, Herrin's phone contained 31 obscene films, adding gravity to the charges against him.

These findings will be factored into the sentencing process.

Investigators also uncovered damning WhatsApp messages exchanged between Herrin and an unidentified individual on 14 November 2019.

Herrin was reported to have sent WhatsApp messages to foreign numbers, offering monetary incentives for sexual services to minors.

In these messages, Herrin offered a sum of four million rupiahs (S$340) in exchange for engaging in sexual activities and two million rupiahs (S$170) for sex acts, with 12-year-old girls, underscoring the severity of his offences.

Similarly, on 18 February 2020, another message indicated Herrin's intent to procure sexual services from a child for a high price.

Responding to queries, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) confirmed that Herrin's employment was terminated on 7 April 2022, upon discovery of the offences.

NTU spokesperson said that the university has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.

Herrin is scheduled to appear in court again on 17 May to face the consequences of his actions.

Herrin faces serious legal repercussions for his crimes. For the charge of soliciting sexual services from a minor, he could potentially face a maximum penalty of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Furthermore, for the possession of child abuse material, Herrin could be jailed up to five years, and fined or caned.