Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Three Arrested in KentuckyNew York Human Trafficking Case After Missing Teen Found

A joint operation spanning Kentucky to New York recovered the victim, prompting state and federal charges.

Overview

  • Laurel County officials say the underage victim was located in Niagara County, New York, and has been returned to Kentucky.
  • Tabitha Peterson, 41, of East Bernstadt, was jailed on human trafficking and complicity counts after an initial arrest earlier in the week.
  • Kevin R. Martinez, 38, of Jamestown, was arrested by Kentucky State Police and charged with four counts each of first-degree rape and sodomy.
  • Joshua Mahley, 42, of Niagara County, is in federal custody on a Title 18 charge of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, with additional charges possible.
  • A federal warrant alleges Mahley paid Peterson to transport the victim from Kentucky to New York, investigators cite online contact in the case, and officials report $500,000 cash bonds for Peterson and Martinez with Peterson set for a Sept. 16 pretrial conference.