Ex-Border agent indicted in sex assault of Arizona teen

PHOENIX (AP/3TV/CBS 5) — A former U.S. Customs and Border Safety agent has been indicted in reference to the kidnapping and sexual assault of a teenage woman in Arizona earlier this 12 months, based on federal authorities.

Division of Justice officers mentioned a superseding indictment unsealed Wednesday accuses 27-year-old Aaron Mitchell with a civil rights violation of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a minor sufferer. He’s additionally been charged with kidnapping a minor sufferer and deceptive state investigators.

Prosecutors mentioned Mitchell faces a most sentence of life in jail and a $250,000 nice if he’s convicted within the case. It was unclear Thursday if Mitchell has a lawyer but who can communicate on his behalf.

Courtroom paperwork present Mitchell was arrested in April after he allegedly kidnapped a 15-year-old woman in Douglas and took her to Sierra Vista earlier than the alleged sexual assault. Based on Douglas police, Mitchell approached the sufferer in his car because the woman was on her approach to college.

The woman informed investigators that Mitchell was carrying a tactical vest labeled “POLICE” and requested her for documentation, which she supplied. After checking her paperwork, Mitchell allegedly informed the woman he would drive her to the Douglas police station.

Police say Mitchell is accused of driving the woman to an residence complicated in Sierra Vista and allegedly sexually assaulting her earlier than taking her again to Douglas.

“The folks in these positions have inside information. They know the way to keep away from leaving proof, they know what’s investigated to get convictions in these crimes,” mentioned John Iannarelli, a former FBI agent.

Iannarelli mentioned what this former CBP agent reportedly did to this woman was a criminal offense of alternative and the worst form of predator. “What predators normally do, they aim sufferer that they assume they’ll overpower, persuade,” he mentioned.

Iannarelli mentioned whereas children ought to be capable to belief authorities, it’s necessary to recollect you’ve got extra energy than you assume. “We wish them to belief legislation enforcement, however we additionally need them to belief their instincts,” mentioned Iannarelli.  “In the event you’re suspicious, if something appears fallacious, name 911. Ask them. No law-abiding cop would ever forestall you from speaking to the 911 system.”

Mitchell was later booked into the Cochise County Jail on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Arizona’s Household Information Employees contributed to this report.

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