Former CBP Officer Convicted of Kidnapping and Assault in Arizona
- Aaron Mitchell, a CBP officer, was arrested in April 2022 for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
- The jury found him guilty of federal civil rights offenses and aggravated sexual abuse after a two-day deliberation.
- Mitchell's actions represent a severe violation of trust, and he now faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
In April 2022, Aaron Mitchell, a Customs and Border Protection Officer, was arrested in Douglas, Arizona, following reports of the abduction and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Mitchell approached the victim while she was on her way to school, displayed his official badge, and coerced her into his vehicle. He was wearing a tactical vest with police markings at the time of the incident. Once in his apartment in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Mitchell handcuffed the girl and sexually assaulted her for several hours before releasing her near the site of the kidnapping. The victim testified that he threatened her, instructing her to comply with his demands to avoid harm. Investigators found disturbing internet searches on Mitchell's phone related to rape and methods to silence a victim. The trial concluded with a jury finding Mitchell guilty of a federal civil rights offense and kidnapping, with the jury also determining that his actions constituted aggravated sexual abuse resulting in bodily injury. The case was investigated by the Douglas Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Field Office, highlighting the serious breach of trust by a law enforcement officer. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke condemned Mitchell's actions, emphasizing the betrayal of his duty to protect the community. Mitchell now faces a potential life sentence, with a federal district court judge set to determine his punishment based on sentencing guidelines and other factors.