ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly admitting to having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

The suspect, Thomas Yoder, is charged with three counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, as Level 4 Felonies.

His initial hearing was Wednesday.

According to Elkhart County court documents, officers with the LaGrange Police Department made a traffic stop on a vehicle, driven by then 23-year-old Yoder, after observing traffic violations on Jan. 23.

Yoder's passenger was identified as a then 15-year-old girl.

Police say after learning the age difference between them and that the two weren't related, the girl's parents were contacted. Her parents arrived and took her home.

When later interviewed, the girl stated she and Yoder had sex several times at his home and his brother's home, both in Elkhart County.

The victim stated she met Yoder through a friend in October 2025 when they went to his house to get high.

Yoder allegedly asked for the victim's Snapchat info even after their mutual friend informed him she was 15. Yoder allegedly stated he still wanted the info because she "seemed really cool."

During a later forensic interview, the victim again stated the two had sex multiple times.

The victim said her parents tracked her cell phone so Yoder bought her a separate phone so they could message each other. The victim noted she would sneak out of her home to then be picked up by Yoder.

On March 17. Yoder was interviewed by a detective at the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office after being read his Miranda Rights and agreeing to speak.

During the interview, Yoder admitted to having sex with the victim.