New Bedford Doctor Accused Of Trying To Pay Attleboro Boy For Sex

ATTLEBORO, MA — A New Bedford doctor was arrested Wednesday after offering to pay a 14-year-old Attleboro boy for sex. Sujan Kayastha, 37, a doctor at St. Luke's Hospital, was charged with possession of child pornography, two counts of disseminating obscene matter to a minor, two counts of electronic enticement of a child for prostitution, and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude.

Police began investigations into Kayastha in December 2018, after receiving reports that an Attleboro boy was sexually assaulted. Police told WHDH they began a4-month investigation, executing search warrants on mobile devices and social media accounts, which led officers to Kayastha.

According to police, Kayastha offered money, drugs, and alcohol to the boy if he met him at a Seekonk hotel for sex. Police said Kayastha sent several messages to the boy, some of which included child pornography.

Police arrested Kayastha after executing a search warrant at Kayastha's home in Dartmouth. Officers seized multiple mobile communications devices containing child pornography, as well as narcotics, according to police.

In a statement to WBZ 4 News, Southcoast Health, the company who owns St. Lukes Hospital, said Kayastha has been relieved from his position.

"We are disturbed to learn of the allegations and arrest of Dr. Sujan Kayastha," Southcoast Health said."Dr. Kayastha has immediately been relieved of his duties pending review of this matter. We are unable to comment further at this time."

Kayastha is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Attleboro District Court.