PHX Reporter

After deliberating for two days, a jury found former U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent Aaron Mitchell guilty of both a federal civil rights offense and a kidnapping charge for sexually assaulting and abducting a minor. The jury also determined that the defendant’s conduct included aggravated sexual abuse, kidnapping, and resulted in bodily injury.

“The heinous crimes committed against a young middle school student by an individual sworn to uphold the law are unspeakable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant had a duty to protect his community but instead he abused his power, kidnapped, cuffed and restrained a young girl, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her in his apartment for hours. With this verdict, the jury has done us all a great service by holding accountable this former federal law enforcement official. The Justice Department will continue to stand up for sexual assault victims, especially children, and we will prosecute law enforcement officials who break the law with every tool at our disposal.”

“We count on our law enforcement officers to protect children, schools and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “This defendant dishonored his badge and his colleagues by ignoring his oath and harming the most vulnerable among us. Thanks to the Douglas Police Department and the FBI for investigating this case with dedication and compassion, and for vindicating the rights of a courageous victim.”

“Mitchell not only broke his oath but the trust instilled in him as a law enforcement officer. Public servants, particularly in law enforcement, must be held to the highest of ethical standards. Those falling short must be rooted out and firmly held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to uncovering those who attempt to hide their acts of violence behind the badge. We would like to thank our investigators and the Douglas Police Department for their support and assistance in this case.”

During a two-week trial, jurors heard evidence that on April 25, 2022, Mitchell traveled to Douglas, Arizona, where he abducted a 15-year-old female middle school student, restrained her, drove her to his apartment, and sexually assaulted her.

According to evidence presented at trial, Mitchell found the child waiting for school to start; he introduced himself as a law enforcement officer and asked for her papers. After flashing his police badge and credentials, Mitchell ordered the child into his car under the pretense of taking her to the police station but instead drove miles away from her school. He then restrained her hands and feet with two pairs of handcuffs. The victim testified that after being handcuffed, Mitchell told her to comply because he didn’t want to hurt her.

Once at his apartment, Mitchell repeatedly sexually assaulted her over several hours before returning her near the middle school where she had been abducted earlier that morning. He reminded her not to tell anyone about what happened. The victim immediately reported the abduction and assaults to friends, family members, and multiple law enforcement agencies.

An examination of Mitchell’s cellphone revealed numerous searches regarding rape prevention tactics while having someone captive in his apartment.

A sentencing hearing will be set later; Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Douglas Police Department along with FBI Phoenix Field Office's Sierra Vista Resident Agency investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carin Duryee for the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney MarLa Duncan from Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting it.

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