Raymond Sookram of Cherokee County, Georgia, was arrested earlier this week. He has been charged with aggravated child molestation and trafficking for servitude.
The 42-year-old Sookram had persuaded a 14-year-old girl to get in his truck. This took place on August 21st, 2026, after the girl missed her school bus.
Sookram then allegedly drove her to Canton and assaulted her. He later dropped her back near her school.
The girl’s family had reported her missing after she missed her school bus. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office had used Flock cameras to identify Sookram’s truck.
The Sheriff’s office had arrested Sookram after executing a search warrant. He is being held without bond in the County Jail.
Residents in the neighborhood have reacted with shock over the incident. Sookram has construction business of his own, and was seen as an upstanding citizen.
The news went viral online, where users demanded harsh punishment for Sookram. Comments also reflected severe anti-Indian sentiments following the incident.
Police have reminded parents to ensure that their children never accept rides from strangers.
The investigation remains ongoing, with no court date set yet. The incident puts another black mark against Indian immigrants in the US.
Indians are already being viewed with disdain and hatred in the country. Such events serve only to ruin our image further.
