A Massachusetts doctor is facing charges for allegedly paying a 14-year-old boy for sex.
Sujan Kayastha, 37, was arrested following a four-month investigation by the Attleboro Police Department. Authorities initiated the investigation after they received information that an Attleboro boy had been sexually assaulted.
Kayastha is accused of giving the child cash in exchange for sexual activity. Officials said Kayastha, a doctor at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, had lengthy, explicit communication with the boy.
Southcoast Health, which owns St. Luke's Hospital, said in a statement they were "disturbed to learn of the allegations" against Kayastha and that he has been relieved of his duties pending a review of the matter.
Attleboro police said Kayastha’s communication with the boy included images of child pornography. He allegedly offered the boy drugs, money and alcohol and made arrangements to meet the victim at a hotel in Seekonk. He also allegedly set up transportation for the teen.
Kayastha was arrested without incident Wednesday at his home. Investigators from the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force assisted in the arrest.
Police said the suspect made incriminating statements and admissions to authorities.
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During a search of Kayastha’s home, investigators seized multiple communication devices and suspect narcotics, police said. Devices seized during the raid contained child porn, according to officials.
Kayastha was booked at the Attleboro Police Department and charged with sexual trafficking, possession of child pornography, two counts of electronic enticement of a child for prostitution and two counts of disseminating obscene matter to a minor. Police said he could face additional charges.
He was scheduled to be arraigned in Attleboro District Court on Thursday. It is unclear if he has a lawyer.
