Lankan origin individual wanted by FBI over rape charges

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of United States (US) has issued a search warrant against a Sri Lankan origin American national over over the rape of a minor. Chaminda Prabhath Palliyaguru is wanted for his alleged rape of a six-year-old victim on March 7, 2020, in Franklin County, Ohio.

According to FBI database, on April 21, an arrest warrant was issued for Palliyaguru in the Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County, Ohio, after he was charged with rape of a minor child, under the age of 10, and three counts of gross sexual imposition of a minor child, less than 13.

On April 22, Palliyaguru was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest. Palliyaguru has ties to New Albany, Ohio, and Anaheim, California. He is known to travel to Sri Lanka on a semi-frequent basis. He was last seen in San Diego, California, near the U.S./Mexico border.

The FBI has requested anyone who has any information concerning this person to contact the local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.