A 13-year-old girl, who had disappeared after meeting a man online, was discovered alive hidden in a box within his residence. Authorities revealed that she had been sexually assaulted based on evidence found. The man responsible, Ki-Shawn Crumity, 26, was arrested in Pittsburgh, US, and faces charges including human trafficking, sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of a child. The teenager, from Baker, Louisiana, had gone missing on October 20 after connecting with Crumity through social media.
Crumity is one of multiple individuals arrested in a widespread investigation involving various law enforcement agencies across state borders. Louisiana’s attorney general, Liz Murrill, expressed concern over the dangers of social media and human trafficking in light of this case. Following information provided by federal agents, the police located the girl confined in a box in Crumity’s basement, far away from her own home. She was promptly taken to a hospital where evidence of sexual assault was documented.
According to a criminal complaint, the girl informed investigators that she had initially communicated with Crumity on Snapchat. He allegedly lured her by promising to assist in her adoption by a trustworthy adult. The teen disclosed that she traveled to Pittsburgh by Greyhound bus and upon arrival at Crumity’s residence, they, along with another woman, slept in the basement. The girl recounted that Crumity provided her with cannabis-infused edibles and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults over approximately a week.
She mentioned that Crumity warned her about potential consequences, being aware that she was a runaway. The child expressed feeling safe at the hospital, contrasting her ordeal. Crumity reportedly confessed to engaging in sexual activities with the victim. Pittsburgh officials detailed the events leading to the girl’s rescue at an address in a press release.
In connection to the girl’s disappearance, another individual, 62-year-old Ronald Smith, was also apprehended. Smith, along with Alvin Hanson, is suspected of transporting the girl from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Georgia before sending her northward on a bus. Smith faces charges of simple kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, while Hanson, 64, was detained for contributing to juvenile delinquency.
Further arrests are expected in the ongoing investigation. Reports suggest that a man and a woman from the Washington DC area were present in Crumity’s basement during the girl’s rescue, according to Louisiana news station WAFB.