After two days of deliberation, a jury has found former U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent Aaron Mitchell guilty of both a federal civil rights offense and a kidnapping charge for the sexual assault and abduction of a minor. The jury also concluded that Mitchell’s actions involved aggravated sexual abuse, kidnapping, and resulted in bodily injury to the victim.
“The heinous crimes committed against a young middle school student by an individual sworn to uphold the law are unspeakable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant, who had a duty to protect his community, instead abused his power, kidnapped, handcuffed, and restrained a young girl, and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults in his apartment for hours. The jury’s verdict today is a significant step in holding this former federal law enforcement official accountable. The Justice Department will continue to stand up for sexual assault victims, especially children, and we will prosecute law enforcement officials who violate the law using every tool at our disposal.”
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U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona added, “We count on our law enforcement officers to protect children, schools, and communities. This defendant dishonored his badge and colleagues by betraying his oath and harming the most vulnerable among us. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Douglas Police Department and the FBI, this case was thoroughly investigated, ensuring justice for a courageous victim.”
Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez of the FBI Phoenix Field Office emphasized, “Mitchell not only broke his oath but also the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer. Public servants, particularly in law enforcement, must be held to the highest ethical standards. Those who fall short must be rooted out and held accountable. The FBI remains committed to uncovering those who hide their acts of violence behind a badge.”
During the two-week trial, evidence revealed that on the morning of April 25, 2022, Mitchell traveled to Douglas, Arizona, where he abducted a 15-year-old middle school student. He restrained her, drove her to his apartment, and sexually assaulted her over several hours.
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According to trial testimony, Mitchell approached the child as she waited for school to start, introduced himself as a law enforcement officer, and asked for her identification. After showing his police badge and credentials, he ordered her into his car, claiming he was taking her to the police station. Instead, Mitchell drove the child miles away from her school, restrained her with handcuffs, and threatened her to ensure compliance.
Once in his apartment, Mitchell repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim. He later returned her to the vicinity of her school and warned her not to tell anyone. The victim immediately reported the abduction and assaults to friends, family, and law enforcement. During an interview with police, Mitchell ominously stated that the victim “better hope I don’t get out of here.”
An examination of Mitchell’s cellphone revealed that he had conducted multiple internet searches related to rape, stopping someone from screaming, and, while the victim was held captive, he searched how long it takes to smother someone.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date, where Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Douglas Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Field Office, Sierra Vista Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carin Duryee for the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney MarLa Duncan of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
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