A Georgia man faces kidnapping charges after police found a 17-year-old girl who says she was dropped off at a rest stop on I-75 near Bowling Green. Investigators believe the case could have ties to a larger problem.
"It's already in our community it's already in northwest Ohio it's just a matter of paying attention to signs and indicators that human trafficking is going on," says FBI Special Agent Vickie Anderson.
Over the weekend, a vehicle just dropped off a teenage girl at a rest stop near Bowling Green. According to the FBI, the girl told authorities that she had been kidnapped and held for days and there was still another girl in the vehicle.
"Often in these types of cases we see that young girls may start out thinking these guys are nice, and they're just being friends, and they get into a situation they weren't expecting. Our concern is that these young girls were being forced into prostitution performing acts that they did not want to do," says Anderson.
Troopers were able to catch up to that vehicle on I-75 in Shelby County. That's where they were able to safely retrieve the other girl and arrest Darien McKinley. Officials say he works as a truck driver.
It's still unclear where he was taking the girls, but local authorities say officers are trained to be aware of these types of situations and try to prevent them.
"We are vigilant. We have officers assigned to the human trafficking task force. We are educating our troopers in regards what to look for."
The public is always encouraged to report anything suspicious by calling the Highway Patrol at #677.
McKinley is being held at the wood county justice center on $85,000 bond. He is expected to be in court next week.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:31 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:31:13 GMT
Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:53:42 GMT
After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning
After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning of more cuts for the district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:45 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:45:50 GMT
The excavation of a field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, the FBI announced Wednesday, adding another unsuccessful chapter to a nearly
The excavation of a field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, the FBI announced Wednesday, adding another unsuccessful chapter to a nearly 40-year-old mystery.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:05:17 GMT
Saint Ursula Academy's "Students in Action" initiative received a national honor in Washington DC Tuesday. 13abc's Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro caught up with the girls on their big
Saint Ursula Academy's "Students in Action" initiative received a national honor in Washington DC Tuesday. 13abc's Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro caught up with the girls on their big trip.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:51:19 GMT
Best Buy is recalling 5,100 replacement batteries for the MacBook Pro due to a fire risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday that there have been 13 reports that the battery
Best Buy is recalling 5,100 replacement batteries for the MacBook Pro due to a fire risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday that there have been 13 reports that the battery caught fire.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:50:33 GMT
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls. But an attorney
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:30:10 GMT
Carroll Township Police have located 69 year old Mary Klosinski. Klosinki has dementia and has had a stroke in the past. She was missing since 1:00 a.m Tuesday, from her home in the Teal Bend condominium
Carroll Township Police have located 69 year old Mary Klosinski. Klosinki has dementia and has had a stroke in the past. She was missing since 1:00 a.m Tuesday, from her home in the Teal Bend condominium
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:11 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:11:36 GMT
Toledo firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in Toledo. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday. Dispatchers tell us heavy flames are showing.
Toledo firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire in Toledo late Tuesday night. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday.
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