A former Border Patrol agent has been convicted in the 2022 abduction and rape of a middle school student in Douglas, federal officials say.
Aaron Mitchell was found guilty of both a federal civil rights offense and a kidnapping charge in the sexual assault and kidnapping of the 15-year-old girl. After a two-week trial in Phoenix, the jury also convicted Mitchell of aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping that resulted in bodily injury, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona.
In April 2022, Mitchell abducted the middle school student as she waited for school to begin, restrained her, drove her to his apartment and sexually assaulted her, the release said.
Mitchell told the girl he was a law enforcement officer and asked for her papers. After flashing his badge and credentials, Mitchell ordered the girl into his car and told her he was taking her to the police station. Instead, he drove away from her school, pulled over and restrained her hands and feet with two pairs of handcuffs, the release said.
The girl testified at the trial that after being handcuffed, Mitchell told her to do everything he said because he didn’t want to have to hurt her.
At his apartment, Mitchell sexually assaulted the girl over the course of several hours, the release said.
Mitchell eventually returned the girl to the area where the abduction occurred, telling her not to tell anyone of the assault. The girl immediately reported the abduction and sexual assault.
An examination of Mitchell’s cellphone revealed numerous searches regarding rape and how to stop someone from screaming. During the abduction, prosecutors say he also searched the internet for how long it takes to smother someone.
Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
