Former Customs and Border Protection officer accused of kidnapping a minor
08/01/2022 2:41 pm PDT
PHOENIX (TCD) -- A 27-year-old former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer is accused of kidnapping a minor and transporting her across state lines.
According to the Department of Justice, a grand jury indicted Aaron Mitchell on one count of kidnapping. On April 25, Mitchell allegedly kidnapped an underage female and held her against her will. The statement alleges Mitchell "transported the victim in interstate and foreign commerce and the defendant traveled in interstate commerce and used a means, facility and instrumentality of interstate commerce."
Around the same time he allegedly kidnapped the girl, he was reportedly arrested on suspicion of abducting and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old from Douglas, Arizona. According to Douglas Police, on April 25, the victim was walking to school when Mitchell allegedly approached her and said he was a law enforcement officer. He reportedly wore a tactical vest with "POLICE" on it and asked to see her documentation.
Douglas Police said Mitchell allegedly told the teen he had to take her to the police station, and he handcuffed her and put her in his car.
According to the statement, Mitchell allegedly took the girl to an apartment in Sierra Vista and sexually assaulted her. He then allegedly drove her back to Douglas. He was booked April 26 into the Cochise County Jail for sexual misconduct with a minor.
The Justice Department noted Mitchell could face a minimum of 20 years to a maximum of life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life in supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
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