The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday that after two days of deliberations, a jury convicted former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer Aaron Mitchell of federal civil rights violations and kidnapping charges for sexually assaulting and soliciting a minor.
Jurors were presented with evidence showing that Mitchell traveled to Douglas, Arizona, on the morning of April 25, 2022, where he abducted a 15-year-old middle school student. According to According to a Department of Justice press release, Mitchell allegedly restrained the girl, took her to his apartment and sexually assaulted her.
Aaron Mitchell, CBP evidence, threats from 15 years ago, state transition, sexual assault, information provided to the Department of Justice (DOJ).https://t.co/X35a3qSYvU
— Noticias Telemundo (@TelemundoNews) August 31, 2024
CBP Officer Arrest: Aaron Mitchell, 27, was booked into the Cochise County Jail on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a minor. https://t.co/zXrYQdjFt8 pic.twitter.com/51SdS6HNML
— KGUN 9 (@kgun9) April 29, 2022
“The defendant had a duty to protect our community, but instead abused his power by abducting a young girl, handcuffing her, and repeatedly sexually assaulting her in his apartment for hours. With this verdict, the jury has done us all a great favor by holding this former federal law enforcement officer accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to stand up for victims of sexual assault, especially children, and will use all available means to prosecute law enforcement officers who break the law.”
According to the Department of Justice, the trial revealed that Mitchell approached the girl while she was waiting to leave school, posing as a police officer. He reportedly asked her for her documents, showed her a fake police badge, and ordered her into his car, saying he would take her to the police station. However, Mitchell instead drove her miles away, parked her car and handcuffed her by her hands and feet. The victim testified that Mitchell warned her to comply, saying he did not want to hurt her, the press release stated. (Related: Authorities arrest soldier on child pornography charges)
According to the Department of Justice, Mitchell repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl over the course of several hours. He then took her back to a nearby school and warned her not to tell anyone. However, the victim immediately reported the incident to friends, family and police. During police questioning, Mitchell reportedly threatened the victim, saying, “You'd better pray I don't get out of here.”
“Mitchell not only violated his oath of office, he also violated the trust that was instilled in him as a law enforcement officer. Public servants, especially law enforcement officers, must be held to the highest ethical standards. Those who do not meet those standards must be rooted out and firmly held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez of the FBI's Phoenix Field Office.
The Department of Justice said a search of Mitchell's phone showed searches related to rape, gagging and how long it would take to suffocate someone while he was holding the girl captive.
Mitchell is awaiting sentencing and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
