Florence resident Abdulwahab Aherow Haji-Eda has been found guilty of multiple sex crimes against children after a long, multi-jurisdictional investigation.
Specifically, a Kenton County jury found Haji-Eda guilty of promoting a sexual performance by a minor causing injury, rape in the third degree and sodomy in the third degree. A sentencing hearing will take place on April 28.
The investigation began after Covington detectives obtained the victim’s phone after observing an interview at the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy, an organization that specializes in forensic interviews with children, which can be fraught if not performed properly.
Thus began a long investigation involving Covington Police, the Boone County Sheriff and the Department of Homeland Security. After being confronted with evidence of his crimes, Haji-Eda attempted to flee the country, purchasing a one-way ticket to Togo, Africa. He was finally arrested at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, having already taken a connecting flight from Columbus, Ohio. He was extradited back to Kentucky upon his arrest.
The Kenton County jury recommended a 31-year sentence for Haji-Eda. He also received a 10-year sentence in Boone County. Kenton County Circuit Court Judge Kate Molloy will determine if Haji-Eda will serve out his Boone County sentence separately or concurrently with the sentence he’ll receive on April 28.
