Former border guard found guilty on several counts

PHOENIX – A former border patrol agent was found guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Arizona, authorities said Friday.

Aaron Mitchell could face life in prison after a jury found him guilty of federal felony assault and kidnapping for the April 25, 2022, incident, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release.

“We rely on our law enforcement officers to protect children, schools and communities,” U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Gary Restaino said in the press release.

“This defendant dishonored his badge and that of his colleagues by ignoring his oath and harming the most vulnerable among us.”

What was a former border patrol agent in Arizona found guilty of?

Mitchell traveled to the border town of Douglas and found the child before school started. He identified himself as a police officer and asked for her papers, showing his ID and badge.

Mitchell then forced the girl into his car and said he would take her to the police station. Instead, he drove the girl away from the school, stopped, and handcuffed her hands and feet.

Mitchell took the girl to his apartment, where he repeatedly sexually abused her for several hours. He eventually took her back to school and told her not to tell anyone about his actions.

The victim immediately notified friends, family and police of the kidnapping and assault. Mitchell was later arrested and told police in an interview after the arrest that the victim “better hope I don't get out of here.”

Mitchell's phone showed that he had searched for rape and how to stop someone from screaming. It was also revealed that Mitchell had searched for how long it would take to choke someone while the child was in his apartment.

“Mitchell not only violated his oath, but also the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer. Officers, especially in law enforcement, must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Those who fail to meet these standards must be rooted out and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez of the FBI's Phoenix Field Office.

“The FBI remains committed to exposing those who attempt to hide their violent acts behind a badge.”

The date for the verdict will be set at a later date.

The Douglas Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Field Office, Sierra Vista Resident Agency, investigated the case.

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