Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling Across State Lines for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

AKRON, Ohio - Soumya Rudra, 41, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and to possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also referred to as child pornography.

According to court documents, Rudra met the 14-year victim on a dating game app called "Kiss Kiss." He then messaged her via Snapchat text and video calls throughout several months. Rudra drove more than 400 miles from Pennsylvania to Ohio in November 2023 to meet the victim. He transported her to a hotel where he proceeded to engage in criminal sexual activities. Investigators also discovered CSAM involving other minors on his electronic devices which were recovered at the hotel room.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 11, 2024. Rudra faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Canton Field Office and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.

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