Lehigh Valley man traveled to Ohio to have sex with teen: Court

AKRON, Ohio — A man who investigators say drove from eastern Pennsylvania to Wooster to have sex with a teenager pleaded guilty in federal court last week.

Soumya Rudra, 41, of Whitehall, pleaded guilty to travelling across state lines to engage in prohibited sexual acts with a minor and to possession of child pornography (CSAM).

The complaint against Rudra was filed in December 2023 after the mother of the 14-year-old victim contacted the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 23 when she noticed her daughter’s cell phone pinging a motel in Wooster. The mother told investigators that a man in a white car picked up her daughter.

When police arrived at the motel, they found Rudra. He was arrested on the spot and his cell phone and tablet were confiscated.

According to investigators, the victim and Rudra met through the dating app Kiss Kiss and continued to communicate via Snapchat for several months before arranging to meet.

Investigators also found child pornography on his electronic devices, which also depicted other minors, found in the hotel room.

Rudra’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11. He faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

To report child exploitation, visit cybertipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.