Former Border Patrol agent sentenced for abducting, sexually assaulting a minor

PHOENIX — A former Border Patrol agent was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for abducting and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl three years ago, authorities said.

Aaron Thomas Mitchell abducted the girl while she waited for school to start, demanded to see her papers, restrained her and drove her to his apartment before repeatedly sexually abusing her over the course of several hours, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

“This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding law enforcement officers accountable when they violate the rights of individuals,” special agent in charge Jose Perez of the FBI Phoenix Field Office said in a Friday news release.

Mitchell was charged in May 2022, and later indicted in July 2022. He was found guilty in August 2024 of both a federal civil rights offense and a kidnapping charge for sexually assaulting and kidnapping a victim who was a minor.

“When an officer shrugs off his sworn oath and harms those they promised to protect, he betrays the people of his community and all of us who wear a badge,” Perez said. “The FBI continues to ensure the rights of every American are protected. Thank you to the Douglas Police Department for their partnership and work on this case.”

Mitchell’s initial trial lasted two weeks and the jury deliberated for two days prior to rendering the guilty verdict.

How did the former Border Patrol agent abduct the minor?

Mitchell found the child waiting before school, introduced himself as a law enforcement officer and ordered to child into his car. He restrained her with handcuffs before driving nearly an hour away to his apartment, according to the DOJ.

Authorities examined Mitchell’s cellphone and found his search history included searches for rape. While the girl was in his apartment, he conducted an additional internet search for how long it takes to smother someone.

Mitchell returned the girl to the area where he had abducted her and told her to not tell anyone. While the girl was in his apartment, he conducted an additional internet search for how long it takes to smother someone, authorities said.

Mitchell allegedly threatened the victim during a 2022 police interview by saying she had better hope he doesn’t get out of police custody.

“As we work to secure the southern border, it is essential that our law enforcement officers remain above reproach and are trusted by the people they protect,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona said in the release. “This sentence shows that if anyone abuses their position of authority, they will face the harshest consequences available. And while we can never undo the pain inflicted by this defendant on the victim, we are proud to see that justice has been served.”

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