A 13-year-old girl, who disappeared after meeting a man online, was discovered alive hidden in a box inside his residence. Authorities revealed that she had been sexually assaulted. Ki-Shawn Crumity, 26, was arrested in Pitsburgh, US, facing charges including human trafficking, sexual assault, and corruption of a child. The teenager, from Baker, Louisiana, went missing on October 20 after connecting with Crumity on social media.
Reports indicate that Crumity is one of three men arrested in a multi-agency investigation spanning state borders. Louisiana’s attorney general, Liz Murrill, emphasized the dangers of social media and human trafficking, highlighting the exploitation and abuse suffered by the girl. Following information from federal agents, the police found the girl confined in a box in Crumity’s basement, far from her home, and she was taken to the hospital for evidence collection.
According to a criminal complaint, the girl stated she met Crumity on Snapchat, where he promised to help her find a trusted adult for adoption. She traveled by bus to Pittsburgh and stayed in Crumity’s basement with another person, a woman. The girl reported that Crumity gave her edibles and sexually assaulted her multiple times during her stay.
The victim mentioned that Crumity knew she was a runaway and expressed relief at being in the hospital. The authorities also mentioned that Crumity admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the victim. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Special Victims Unit initiated the report leading to the girl’s discovery in the Brighton Heights neighborhood.
Another man involved in the case, Ronald Smith, was arrested for kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Alvin Hanson, the third individual, faced charges related to juvenile delinquency. Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Reports suggest that individuals from the Washington DC area were present in Crumity’s basement during the girl’s rescue.